All of these genes code for transcription factors, which are proteins that control the expression of other genes. (sciencedaily.com)
Clock genes are extremely influential, affecting the activity of most other genes in the body in one way or another. (sciencemag.org)
In most cases, the genes responsible for these processes are known as «transcription factors» — meaning that they are responsible for turning other genes on and off. (sciencedaily.com)