This gene encodes a flavin adenine dinucleotide-binding protein that is a key component of the circadian core oscillator complex, which regulates the circadian clock. This gene is upregulated by CLOCK/ARNTL heterodimers but then represses this upregulation in a feedback loop using PER/CRY heterodimers to interact with CLOCK/ARNTL. Polymorphisms in this gene have been associated with altered sleep patterns. The encoded protein is widely conserved across plants and animals. Loss of the related gene in mouse results in a shortened circadian cycle in complete darkness. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2014]
Forensic Context
A study in humans demonstrated that the CRY1 was evaluated as a candidate mRNA marker for estimating blood deposition time, where its expression was analyzed in blood samples collected at 2-hour intervals under controlled conditions [Lech et al. DOI:10.1016/J.Fsigen.2015.12.008]. In a separate investigation on human sepsis, the CRY1 was identified as a differentially expressed circadian rhythm-related gene between sepsis and control groups, with its expression validated by RT-qPCR [Wang et al. DOI:10.3390/ijms26093993].