The length of the Per3 repeat region identifies a potential genetic marker for extreme diurnal preference.

SUMMARY Mutations in clock genes are associated with abnormal circadian parameters, including sleep. An association has been reported previously between a polymorphism (3111C), situated in the 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of the circadian gene Clock and evening preference. In the present study, this polymorphism was assessed in: (1) 105 control subjects with defined diurnal preference, (2) 26 blind subjects with free‐running circadian rhythms and characterized with regard to circadian period (τ) and (3) 16 delayed sleep phase syndrome patients. The control group was chosen from a larger population (n = 484) by Horne‐Östberg questionnaire analysis, from which three subgroups were selected (evening, intermediate and morning preference). Data from sleep diaries completed by 90% of these subjects showed a strong correlation between preferred and estimated timings of sleep and wake. The mean timings of activities for the evening group were at least 2 h later than the morning group. Genetic analysis showed that, in contrast with the previously published finding, there was no association between 3111C and eveningness. Neither was there an association between 3111C and τ, nor a significant difference in 3111C frequency between the normal and delayed sleep phase syndrome groups. To assess the effect of this polymorphism on messenger RNA (mRNA) translatability, luciferase reporter gene constructs containing the two Clock polymorphic variants in their 3′‐UTR were transfected into COS‐1 cells and luciferase activity measured. No significant difference was observed between the two variants. These results do not support Clock 3111C as a marker for diurnal preference, τ, or delayed sleep phase syndrome in humans.

These results confirm that the nocturnal increase in melatonin could contribute to the patterns of oxytocin, vasopressin and growth hormone release seen over 24 h.