β-arrestin1 orchestrates endosomal signaling to regulate translational control of circadian light entrainment

In mammals, circadian entrainment relies on signaling pathways that translate light input into molecular changes within the central pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Here, using β‑arrestin1 (ARRB1)-deficient mice, we identify a critical role for β‑arrestin1 in this process, showing that endosomal signaling underlies key steps in clock resetting. We demonstrate that ARRB1 is required for PAC1 receptor internalization and for the activation of endosomal signaling in response to light or PACAP. ARRB1‑dependent PAC1 endosomal signaling activates an ERK1/2-RSK1-S6 cascade that enhances protein translation and contributes to the induction of PER proteins. Transcriptional responses remain intact, underscoring the spatial specificity of ARRB1 function. Our findings position endosomes as critical subcellular hubs for circadian signal transduction and reveal a non-canonical, β-arrestin1-dependent entrainment mechanism that operates through translational control. Together, these results challenge traditional GPCR signaling paradigms and establish endosome-based signaling as a key regulator of circadian timekeeping.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Communications Biology
Published
2026-03-21
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-026-09905-3
Primary Topic
Circadian rhythm and melatonin
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

β-arrestin1 orchestrates endosomal signaling to regulate translational control of circadian light entrainment

Nicholas A. Boehler, Brittany Mascarenhas, Hai‐Ying Mary Cheng, Shavanie Seecharran et al.
Communications Biology
Circadian rhythm and melatonin
article

β-arrestin1 orchestrates endosomal signaling to regulate translational control of circadian light entrainment

Nicholas A. Boehler, Brittany Mascarenhas, Hai‐Ying Mary Cheng, Shavanie Seecharran, Muhammad Asad Ullah Wahid
article en

Abstract

In mammals, circadian entrainment relies on signaling pathways that translate light input into molecular changes within the central pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Here, using β‑arrestin1 (ARRB1)-deficient mice, we identify a critical role for β‑arrestin1 in this process, showing that endosomal signaling underlies key steps in clock resetting. We demonstrate that ARRB1 is required for PAC1 receptor internalization and for the activation of endosomal signaling in response to light or PACAP. ARRB1‑dependent PAC1 endosomal signaling activates an ERK1/2-RSK1-S6 cascade that enhances protein translation and contributes to the induction of PER proteins. Transcriptional responses remain intact, underscoring the spatial specificity of ARRB1 function. Our findings position endosomes as critical subcellular hubs for circadian signal transduction and reveal a non-canonical, β-arrestin1-dependent entrainment mechanism that operates through translational control. Together, these results challenge traditional GPCR signaling paradigms and establish endosome-based signaling as a key regulator of circadian timekeeping.

Communications Biology
Hatch (Canada) (CA), University of Toronto (CA)
Openalex Percentile: Top 12%
Circadian rhythm and melatonin
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.