Neuronal PAS Domain Protein 2 (NPAS2)

Neuronal PAS Domain Protein 2 is a member of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)-PAS family of transcription factors. A similar mouse protein may play a regulatory role in the acquisition of specific types of memory. It also may function as a part of a molecular clock operative in the mammalian forebrain.

The predicted 824-amino acid human NPAS2 protein shares 87% sequence identity with mouse Npas2. Northern blot analysis of mouse tissues revealed that Npas2 is expressed predominantly in brain. In situ hybridization indicated that the pattern of Npas2 mRNA distribution in mouse brain is broad and complex, and is largely nonoverlapping with that of Npas1.