Runx2 gene expression is rhythmic in the SCN of wild type mice.

<p>Fold changes in levels of gene expression (± SEM) in the SCN for Runx2 (red circle), Per2 (green triangle; A and B), Bmal1 (blue square; A and B) and Runx1 (black diamond; C and D) and OC (blue circle; C and D) determined by real-time qRT-PCR under 12 h∶ 12 h LD (A and B) and 24 hr DD (C and D). Values represent the level of normalized gene expression relative to the mean overall normalized gene expression across the day. In 12∶12 h LD conditions, time of day is represented by white and black horizontal bars indicating periods of day (light) and dark (night), respectively, with dark onset marking ZT12. In 24 h DD conditions, black horizontal bars represent darkness during subjective day and night with running wheel activity onset marking CT12. Runx2 gene expression data for 12∶12 h LD and 24 h DD were plotted in both panels to allow for comparison with multiple gene profiles. Significant peaks levels of expression (*) compared to nadir points (#) for given gene presented in respective color (<i>p</i><0.05).