The circadian coordination of cell biology

Dysmenorrhea and Premenstrual Syndrome in Association with Health Habits in the Mexican Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are common disorders in the Mexican population, but these are usually underdiagnosed and under-treated, impacting women's quality of life. Adequate health habits have been reported as precursors of decreasing dysmenorrhea symptoms. However, few studies assess their impact on PMS.

AIM

This study aims to evaluate dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome in association with health habits in the Mexican population.

METHODS

To assess the impact of health habits on menstruation symptoms a validated survey was conducted in 1679 adult females aged ≥18 years. The survey collected data on participants' dysmenorrhea, PMS, and their health habits.

RESULTS

The analysis showed that physical activity duration, changes in eating habits (increases in salty or sugary foods) during menstruation, and oversleeping habits predict increases in dysmenorrhea and PMS. In contrast, an active sexual life, relaxing physical activity, and adequate sleep hours during menstruation seem to decrease the symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that adequate health habits and addressing early gynecological conditions might regulate dysmenorrhea and PMS.

Disruption of the intestinal clock drives dysbiosis and impaired barrier function in colorectal cancer

Diet is a robust entrainment cue that regulates diurnal rhythms of the gut microbiome. We and others have shown that disruption of the circadian clock drives the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). While certain bacterial species have been suggested to play driver roles in CRC, it is unknown whether the intestinal clock impinges on the microbiome to accelerate CRC pathogenesis. To address this, genetic disruption of the circadian clock, in an Apc-driven mouse model of CRC, was used to define the impact on the gut microbiome. When clock disruption is combined with CRC, metagenomic sequencing identified dysregulation of many bacterial genera including Bacteroides, Helicobacter, and Megasphaera. We identify functional changes to microbial pathways including dysregulated nucleic acid, amino acid, and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as disruption of intestinal barrier function. Our findings suggest that clock disruption impinges on microbiota composition and intestinal permeability that may contribute to CRC pathogenesis.

Late Bedtime and Altered Diurnal Axial Length Rhythms of the Eye

PURPOSE

Affecting one-third of the population worldwide and increasing, the sight-threatening condition myopia is causing a significant socio-economic burden. To better understand its etiology, recent studies investigated the role of ocular and systemic rhythms, yet results are conflicting. Here we profiled 24-h variations of axial length of the eye and salivary melatonin concentration in young adults with and without myopia and explored the potential impacts of bedtime on these rhythms.

METHODS

A total of 25 healthy young adults (age 25.0 ± 4.8 years, 13 females) completed this study, including 13 myopes (mean spherical equivalent refractive error -2.93 ± 1.46 diopters) and 12 non-myopes (0.14 ± 0.42 diopters). Saliva sample collection and axial length measurements were repeated for seven times over 24 h starting from 8 am. Information on sleep and chronotype was collected at first visit with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Significant diurnal rhythms of axial length and salivary melatonin concentration were identified in both refractive groups (both p < 0.001), with no myopia-related rhythm difference (interaction of measurement time-point × myopia, p = 0.9). Late bedtime was associated with altered rhythms (p = 0.009) and smaller diurnal change (p = 0.01) in axial length. Elevated melatonin levels were observed in myopes (p = 0.006) and in late sleepers (p = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that sleep/wake cycles may be involved in the regulation of axial length rhythms. Further research is needed to determine if there exists a causal relationship between the two.

Epigenetic Activation of Circadian Clock Genes Elicits Inflammation in Experimental Murine Dry Eye

PURPOSE

To explore whether circadian clock genes contribute to elicit inflammation in experimental dry eye (EDE).

METHODS

RNA sequencing analyzed mRNA expression patterns in EDE model. RT-qPCR and/or Western blot determined the expression of inflammatory factors and circadian genes during EDE. MethylTarget™ assays determined the promoter methylation levels of Per genes in vivo. Per2 or Per3 knockdown assessed their effects on inflammatory factors in vitro.

RESULTS

We utilized an intelligently controlled environmental system (ICES) to establish a mouse EDE model. The significant upregulated genes were enriched for circadian rhythms. Therein lied oscillatory and time-dependent upregulation of PER2 and PER3, as well as their promoter hypomethylation during EDE. Silencing PER2 or PER3 significantly decreased inflammatory factor expression and also reversed such increased inflammatory response in azacitidine (AZA) treatment in vitro model.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that DNA methylation mediated the upregulation of PER2 and PER3, leading to inflammatory response in EDE.

Time-of-day effects of cancer drugs revealed by high-throughput deep phenotyping

The circadian clock, a fundamental biological regulator, governs essential cellular processes in health and disease. Circadian-based therapeutic strategies are increasingly gaining recognition as promising avenues. Aligning drug administration with the circadian rhythm can enhance treatment efficacy and minimize side effects. Yet, uncovering the optimal treatment timings remains challenging, limiting their widespread adoption. In this work, we introduce a high-throughput approach integrating live-imaging and data analysis techniques to deep-phenotype cancer cell models, evaluating their circadian rhythms, growth, and drug responses. We devise a streamlined process for profiling drug sensitivities across different times of the day, identifying optimal treatment windows and responsive cell types and drug combinations. Finally, we implement multiple computational tools to uncover cellular and genetic factors shaping time-of-day drug sensitivity. Our versatile approach is adaptable to various biological models, facilitating its broad application and relevance. Ultimately, this research leverages circadian rhythms to optimize anti-cancer drug treatments, promising improved outcomes and transformative treatment strategies.

The effect of different times of day for exercise on blood glucose fluctuations

AIMS

This study aims to explore blood glucose variations before and after short-term intensive exercise in the morning or afternoon of a day and the trend of blood glucose fluctuations during exercise in patients with T2DM (type 2 diabetes, T2DM).

METHODS

Blood glucose variations of Fouty during morning exercise 8:00-12:00 hours and twenty during afternoon exercise 14:30-18:30 hours). Patients with T2DM discharged from the hospital were analyzed retrospectively, with the baseline data checked through the medical record system before intervention. We were asked to perform seven times of treadmill aerobic exercise, which lasted for 30 minutes with incremental intensity for each time, for two weeks under the supervision of the Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and the heart rate armband. The exercise intensity has been adjusted by the clinicians and specialist nurses from the Department of Diabetes Mellitus according to the blood glucose levels and heart rate curves during exercise; data including the height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, in-exercise CGM-measured blood glucose value/min, and after-exercise fingertip blood glucose value of patients with T2DM were collected after the intensive exercise (2 weeks). SPSS 22.0 and GraphPad Prism 7 were adopted for statistical analysis using the T-test and ANOVA.

RESULT

No difference was observed in the baseline data between the morning and afternoon exercise groups before intervention; compared to the morning exercise group, the fasting C-peptide value (2.15±0.97 vs. 1.53±0.46) in the afternoon exercise group was higher than that in the morning exercise group, with a superior (p=0.029) effect after two weeks of intervention, exhibiting a significant difference in the results. According to the results of repeated variance ANOVA analysis, the time for the appearance of significant improvement in blood glucose in the afternoon exercise group was 5 minutes earlier (11th minute vs 1 minute)than that in the morning exercise group (15th minute vs 1 min); significant differences were observed in both time (p=0.048 vs p<0.01) between the two groups on exercise days, as revealed by the results of bivariate ANOVA; in comparison to the morning exercise group (7.42±1.68), there was a significant difference (p=0.049)in the mean blood glucose between the two groups 25 min after patients with T2DM in the afternoon exercise group (6.25±1.53) started to exercise; in addition, a significant statistical difference (p=0.021) was revealed in the CGM-measured hourly the mean blood glucose on exercise days between the morning(8.18±1.88) and afternoon exercise (6.75±1.40)groups at 4:00 pm in week one and two w.

CONCLUSIONS

Glycaemic improvement in the short-term intensive afternoon exercise group may be superior to that of the morning exercise group, which may be related to greater fasting C-peptide secretion and longer effective exercise duration. The time to exercise is a factor affecting blood glucose variations during exercise. However, significant variations in the level of blood glucose during exercise must be further observed through exercise intervention over a more extended period.

Effects of sleep deprivation on anxiety-depressive-like behavior and neuroinflammation

BACKGROUND

Depression is defined by a persistent low mood and disruptions in sleep patterns, with the WHO forecasting that major depression will rank as the third most prevalent contributor to the global burden of disease by the year 2030. Sleep deprivation serves as a stressor that triggers inflammation within the central nervous system, a process known as neuroinflammation. This inflammatory response plays a crucial role in the development of depression by upregulating the expression of inflammatory mediators that contribute to symptoms such as anxiety, hopelessness, and loss of pleasure.

METHODS

In this study, sleep deprivation was utilized as a method to induce anxiety and depressive-like behaviors in mice. The behavioral changes in the mice were then evaluated using the EZM, EPM, TST, FST, and SPT. H&E staining and Nissl staining was used to detect morphological changes in the medial prefrontal cortical (mPFC) regions. Elisa to assess serum CORT levels. Detection of mRNA levels and protein expression of clock genes, high mobility genome box-1 (Hmgb1), silent message regulator 6 (Sirt6), and pro-inflammatory factors by RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence techniques.

RESULTS

Sleep deprivation resulted in decreased exploration of unfamiliar territory, increased time spent in a state of despair, and lower sucrose water intake in mice. Additionally, sleep deprivation led to increased secretion of serum CORT and upregulation of clock genes, IL6, IL1β, TNFα, Cox-2, iNOS, Sirt6, and Hmgb1. Sleep.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep deprivation induces anxiety-depressive-like behaviors and neuroinflammation in the brain. Transcription of clock genes and activation of the Sirt6/Hmgb1 pathway may contribute to inflammatory responses in the mPFC.

Circadian disruption, clock genes, and metabolic health

A growing body of research has identified circadian-rhythm disruption as a risk factor for metabolic health. However, the underlying biological basis remains complex, and complete molecular mechanisms are unknown. There is emerging evidence from animal and human research to suggest that the expression of core circadian genes, such as circadian locomotor output cycles kaput gene (CLOCK), brain and muscle ARNT-Like 1 gene (BMAL1), period (PER), and cyptochrome (CRY), and the consequent expression of hundreds of circadian output genes are integral to the regulation of cellular metabolism. These circadian mechanisms represent potential pathophysiological pathways linking circadian disruption to adverse metabolic health outcomes, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Here, we aim to summarize select evidence from in vivo animal models and compare these results with epidemiologic research findings to advance understanding of existing foundational evidence and potential mechanistic links between circadian disruption and altered clock gene expression contributions to metabolic health-related pathologies. Findings have important implications for the treatment, prevention, and control of metabolic pathologies underlying leading causes of death and disability, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

Comparative rhythmic transcriptome profiling of human and mouse striatal subregions

The human striatum can be subdivided into the caudate, putamen, and nucleus accumbens (NAc). In mice, this roughly corresponds to the dorsal medial striatum (DMS), dorsal lateral striatum (DLS), and ventral striatum (NAc). Each of these structures have some overlapping and distinct functions related to motor control, cognitive processing, motivation, and reward. Previously, we used a "time-of-death" approach to identify diurnal rhythms in RNA transcripts in these three human striatal subregions. Here, we identify molecular rhythms across similar striatal subregions collected from C57BL/6J mice across 6 times of day and compare results to the human striatum. Pathway analysis indicates a large degree of overlap between species in rhythmic transcripts involved in processes like cellular stress, energy metabolism, and translation. Notably, a striking finding in humans is that small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are among the most highly rhythmic transcripts in the NAc and this is not conserved in mice, suggesting the rhythmicity of RNA processing in this region could be uniquely human. Furthermore, the peak timing of overlapping rhythmic genes is altered between species, but not consistently in one direction. Taken together, these studies reveal conserved as well as distinct transcriptome rhythms across the human and mouse striatum and are an important step in understanding the normal function of diurnal rhythms in humans and model organisms in these regions and how disruption could lead to pathology.

Circadian regulation of metabolism across photosynthetic organisms

Circadian regulation produces a biological measure of time within cells. The daily cycle in the availability of light for photosynthesis causes dramatic changes in biochemical processes in photosynthetic organisms, with the circadian clock having crucial roles in adaptation to these fluctuating conditions. Correct alignment between the circadian clock and environmental day-night cycles maximizes plant productivity through its regulation of metabolism. Therefore, the processes that integrate circadian regulation with metabolism are key to understanding how the circadian clock contributes to plant productivity. This forms an important part of exploiting knowledge of circadian regulation to enhance sustainable crop production. Here, we examine the roles of circadian regulation in metabolic processes in source and sink organ structures of Arabidopsis. We also evaluate possible roles for circadian regulation in root exudation processes that deposit carbon into the soil, and the nature of the rhythmic interactions between plants and their associated microbial communities. Finally, we examine shared and differing aspects of the circadian regulation of metabolism between Arabidopsis and other model photosynthetic organisms, and between circadian control of metabolism in photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic organisms. This synthesis identifies a variety of future research topics, including a focus on metabolic processes that underlie biotic interactions within ecosystems.

Role of the Circadian Gas-Responsive Hemeprotein NPAS2 in Physiology and Pathology

Neuronal PAS domain protein 2 (NPAS2) is a hemeprotein comprising a basic helix-loop-helix domain (bHLH) and two heme-binding sites, the PAS-A and PAS-B domains. This protein acts as a pyridine nucleotide-dependent and gas-responsive CO-dependent transcription factor and is encoded by a gene whose expression fluctuates with circadian rhythmicity. NPAS2 is a core cog of the molecular clockwork and plays a regulatory role on metabolic pathways, is important for the function of the central nervous system in mammals, and is involved in carcinogenesis as well as in normal biological functions and processes, such as cardiovascular function and wound healing. We reviewed the scientific literature addressing the various facets of NPAS2 and framing this gene/protein in several and very different research and clinical fields.

Circadian misalignment in obesity: The role for time-restricted feeding

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The epidemic of obesity is associated with a substantial, complex and escalating burden of disease. Dietary and lifestyle interventions provide the mainstay of management; however, obesity is multifactorial and challenging to address clinically. Disrupted circadian behaviours, including late eating, are associated with obesity. Time-restricted feeding (TRF), the confinement of calorie intake to a temporal 'eating window', has received growing interest as a weight-loss intervention. Benefits are purported to arise from the fasting period and strengthened circadian metabolism. However, the current evidence-base for TRF is small-scale, limited, and there has been little evaluation of circadian schedule. This research aims to enable evidence-based conclusions regarding circadian-aligned TRF as a weight-loss intervention in obesity.

METHODS

A systematic three-tranche search strategy was conducted within PubMed. Included studies were critically evaluated. Search tranches scoped: interventional evidence for TRF; evidence linking meal timing, obesity and metabolic function; and evidence linking circadian function, obesity, and dysmetabolism. Results were summarised in a narrative analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 30 studies were included. From small-scale and short-term evidence, TRF was consistently associated with improved weight, glycaemic and anthropometric outcomes versus baseline or control. Good adherence and safety, and consistency of results between studies, were notable. Earlier ('circadian-aligned') eating was associated with greater diet-induced thermogenesis, and improved weight loss and glycaemic outcomes. Limited evidence suggested meaningful correlations between circadian clock function and obesity/metabolic risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Circadian-aligned TRF may present a promising intervention for weight loss and metabolic benefits in obese/overweight individuals.

An update on the role and potential mechanisms of clock genes regulating spermatogenesis: A systematic review of human and animal experimental studies

Circadian clocks can be traced in nearly all life kingdoms, with the male reproductive system no exception. However, our understanding of the circadian clock in spermatogenesis seems to fall behind other scenarios. The present review aims to summarize the current knowledge about the role and especially the potential mechanisms of clock genes in spermatogenesis regulation. Accumulating studies have revealed rhythmic oscillation in semen parameters and some physiological events of spermatogenesis. Disturbing the clock gene expression by genetic mutations or environmental changes will also notably damage spermatogenesis. On the other hand, the mechanisms of spermatogenetic regulation by clock genes remain largely unclear. Some recent studies, although not revealing the entire mechanisms, indeed attempted to shed light on this issue. Emerging clues hinted that gonadal hormones, retinoic acid signaling, homologous recombination, and the chromatoid body might be involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis by clock genes. Then we highlight the challenges and the promising directions for future studies so as to stimulate attention to this critical field which has not gained adequate concern.

Impact of Nighttime Food Consumption and Feasibility of Fasting during Night Work: A Narrative Review

Shift work has been associated with an increased risk of developing chronic non-communicable diseases, such as obesity. The reduction in overnight fasting and its physiological consequences seem to affect the metabolic health of shift workers, but little has been discussed regarding the feasibility and implications of maintaining a night-long fast during work. This narrative review aims to discuss the impact of eating behavior on the reduction of overnight fasting in shift workers, as well as possible nutritional strategies involving fasting that have been tested for shift workers, to contribute to the establishment of nutritional guidelines for them. We used various databases and search engines to retrieve relevant articles, reviews, and investigations. Despite the potential benefits of overnight fasting for other groups, few studies have investigated this approach in the context of shift work. Generally, it seems to be a feasible and metabolically beneficial strategy for shift workers. However, it is essential to investigate the potential risks and benefits of reducing the fasting time for shift workers, considering social, hedonic, and stress-related factors. Furthermore, randomized clinical trials are necessary to establish safe and feasible strategies for shift workers to practice different fasting windows.

Mutation of the clock gene timeless disturbs diapause induction and adult emergence rhythm in Helicoverpa armigera

BACKGROUND

Circadian rhythms are physical and behavioral changes that follow the 24-h cycle of Earth's light and temperature and are regulated by clock genes. Timeless (Tim) has been identified as a canonical clock gene in some insects, however, its functions have been little studied in lepidopteran pests.

RESULTS

To investigate Tim (HaTim) gene function in Helicoverpa armigera, an important lepidopteran pest, we obtained the HaTim mutant using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system. Our results showed that the transcript levels of HaTim rhythmically peaked at night in heads of the wild larvae and adult, and the diel expression of HaTim was sensitive to photoperiod and temperature. The expression rhythms of other clock genes, such as HaPer, HaCry1, HaCry2 and HaCwo, were disturbed in the HaTim mutant larvae, as that stage is a sensitivity period for diapause induction. Fifth-instar wild-type larvae could be induced to pupate in diapause under a short-day photoperiod and low temperature, however, fifth-instar HaTim mutant larvae could not be induced under the same conditions. In addition, the emergence of wild-type adults peaked early at night, but the rhythm was disturbed in the HaTim mutant with arrhythmic expression of some clock genes, such as HaPer, HaCry1 and HaCwo in adults.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the clock gene Tim is involved in diapause induction and adult emergence in H. armigera, and is a potential target gene for controlling pest. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Morning Vs. Evening exercise on appetite, energy intake, performance and metabolism, in lean males and females

Exercise is an important component of a weight management strategy. However, little is known about whether circadian variations in physiological and behavioural processes can influence the appetite and energy balance responses to exercise performed at different times of the day. This study compared the effects of morning and evening exercise on appetite, post-exercise energy intake, and voluntary performance. In randomised, counterbalanced order, 16 healthy males and females (n = 8 each) completed two trials, performing morning exercise at 10:30 (AMEx) or evening exercise at 18:30 (PMEx). Exercise consisted of 30 min steady-state cycling (60% V˙ O_2peak), and a 15-min performance test. A standardised meal (543 ± 86 kcal) was consumed 2-h before exercise and ad-libitum energy intake was assessed 15 min after exercise, with subjective appetite measured throughout. Absolute ad-libitum energy intake was 152 ± 126 kcal greater during PMEx (P < 0.001), but there was no differences in subjective appetite between trials immediately pre-exercise, or immediately before the post-exercise meal (P ≥ 0.060). Resting energy expenditure (P < 0.01) and carbohydrate oxidation (P < 0.05) were greater during AMEx, but there were no differences in substrate oxidation or energy expenditure during exercise (P ≥ 0.155). Exercise performance was not different between trials (P = 0.628). In conclusion, acute morning and evening exercise prompt similar appetite responses, but post-exercise ad-libitum energy intake is greater following evening exercise. These findings demonstrate discordant responses between subjective appetite and ad-libitum energy intake but suggest that exercise might offset circadian variations in appetite. Longer-term studies are required to determine how exercise timing affects adherence and weight management outcomes to exercise interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04742530, February 8, 2021.

Network regulation meets substrate modification chemistry

Biochemical networks are at the heart of cellular information processing. These networks contain distinct facets: (i) processing of information from the environment via cascades/pathways along with network regulation and (ii) modification of substrates in different ways, to confer protein functionality, stability and processing. While many studies focus on these factors individually, how they interact and the consequences for cellular systems behaviour are poorly understood. We develop a systems framework for this purpose by examining the interplay of network regulation (canonical feedback and feed-forward circuits) and multisite modification, as an exemplar of substrate modification. Using computational, analytical and semi-analytical approaches, we reveal distinct and unexpected ways in which the substrate modification and network levels combine and the emergent behaviour arising therefrom. This has important consequences for dissecting the behaviour of specific signalling networks, tracing the origins of systems behaviour, inference of networks from data, robustness/evolvability and multi-level engineering of biomolecular networks. Overall, we repeatedly demonstrate how focusing on only one level (say network regulation) can lead to profoundly misleading conclusions about all these aspects, and reveal a number of important consequences for experimental/theoretical/data-driven interrogations of cellular signalling systems.

Finding balance: understanding the energetics of time-restricted feeding in mice

Over the course of mammalian evolution, the ability to store energy likely conferred a survival advantage when food became scarce. A long-term increase in energy storage results from an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure, two tightly regulated parameters that generally balance out to maintain a fairly stable body weight. Understanding the molecular determinants of this feat likely holds the key to new therapeutic development to manage obesity and associated metabolic dysfunctions. Time-restricted feeding (TRF), a dietary intervention that limits feeding to the active phase, can prevent and treat obesity and metabolic dysfunction in rodents fed a high-fat diet, likely by exerting effects on energetic balance. Even when body weight is lower in mice on active-phase TRF, food intake is generally isocaloric as compared with ad libitum fed controls. This discrepancy between body weight and energy intake led to the hypothesis that energy expenditure is increased during TRF. However, at present, there is no consensus in the literature as to how TRF affects energy expenditure and energy balance as a whole, and the mechanisms behind metabolic adaptation under TRF are unknown. This review examines our current understanding of energy balance on TRF in rodents and provides a framework for future studies to evaluate the energetics of TRF and its molecular determinants.

Hair Follicles as a Critical Model for Monitoring the Circadian Clock

Clock (circadian) genes are heterogeneously expressed in hair follicles (HFs). The genes can be modulated by both the central circadian system and some extrinsic factors, such as light and thyroid hormones. These circadian genes participate in the regulation of several physiological processes of HFs, including hair growth and pigmentation. On the other hand, because peripheral circadian genes are synchronized with the central clock, HFs could provide a noninvasive and practical method for monitoring and evaluating multiple circadian-rhythm-related conditions and disorders among humans, including day and night shifts, sleep-wake disorders, physical activities, energy metabolism, and aging. However, due to the complexity of circadian biology, understanding how intrinsic oscillation operates using peripheral tissues only may be insufficient. Combining HF sampling with multidimensional assays such as detection of body temperature, blood samples, or certain validated questionnaires may be helpful in improving HF applications. Thus, HFs can serve as a critical model for monitoring the circadian clock and can help provide an understanding of the potential mechanisms of circadian-rhythm-related conditions; furthermore, chronotherapy could support personalized treatment scheduling based on the gene expression profile expressed in HFs.

Circadian disruption of memory consolidation in Drosophila

The role of the circadian system in memory formation is an important question in neurobiology. Despite this hypothesis being intuitively appealing, the existing data is confusing. Recent work in Drosophila has helped to clarify certain aspects of the problem, but the emerging sense is that the likely mechanisms are more complex than originally conceptualized. In this report, we identify a post-training window of time (during consolidation) when the circadian clock and its components are involved in memory formation. In the broader context, our data suggest that circadian biology might have multiple roles during memory formation. Testing for its roles at multiple timepoints, and in different cells, will be necessary to resolve some of the conflicting data.

ARNTL2 is an indicator of poor prognosis, promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and inhibits ferroptosis in lung adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVES

ARNTL2, as a circadian transcription factor, has been recently proposed to play an important role in a variety of tumors. however, the role of ARNTL2 in lung carcinogenesis and progression remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ARNTL2 on the clinical characteristics and prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma and to explore the relationship between ARNTL2 and EMT, ferroptosis in lung adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database's multi-omics data were downloaded using the Xena browser. Based on the expression levels of ARNTL2, patients with lung adenocarcinoma from TCGA were divided into two groups: those with high ARNTL2 expression and those with low ARNTL2 expression. ARNTL2 was studied for its effects on lung adenocarcinoma's clinicopathological, genomic, and immunological characteristics. Furthermore, in vivo and in vitro assays were used to confirm the impact of ARNLT2 knockdown on lung adenocarcinoma cells.

RESULTS

We found ARNTL2 is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and was an independent predictor of a poor prognosis in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. In addition, we demonstrated that knockdown of ARNTL2 promoted ferroptosis, inhibited EMT, cell proliferation, migration and invasion in lung adenocarcinoma. In contrast, overexpressing ARNTL2 yielded the opposite results.

CONCLUSIONS

ARNTL2 is an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for lung adenocarcinoma. It plays a facilitating role in the development of lung adenocarcinoma, especially in promoting EMT and inhibiting ferroptosis, revealing that ARNTL2 may be a potential biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma.

Impacts of vitamin A deficiency on biological rhythms: Insights from the literature

Vitamin A is essential for brain function, in addition to its important roles in vision, immunity, and reproduction. Previous studies have shown that retinoic acid (RA), the bioactive form of vitamin A, is involved in the regulation of various intracellular responses related to biological rhythms. RA is reported to affect the circadian rhythm by binding to RA receptors, such as receptors in the circadian feedback loops in the mammalian suprachiasmatic nucleus. However, evidence of the impacts of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) on biological rhythms is limited, and most of the related studies were conducted on animals. In this review, we described the physiological functions of biological rhythms and physiological pathways/molecular mechanisms regulating the biological rhythms. We then discussed the current understanding of the associations of VAD with biological rhythm disorders/diseases (sleep disorders, impairments in learning/memory, emotional disorders, and other immune or metabolism diseases) and summarized the currently proposed mechanisms (mainly by retinoid nuclear receptors and related proteins) for the associations. This review may help recognize the role of VAD in biological rhythm disorders and stimulate clinical or epidemiological studies to confirm the findings of related animal studies.

Potential Role of the Circadian Clock in the Regulation of Cancer Stem Cells and Cancer Therapy

Circadian rhythms, including sleep/wake cycles as well as hormonal, immune, metabolic, and cell proliferation rhythms, are fundamental biological processes driven by a cellular time-keeping system called the circadian clock. Disruptions in these rhythms due to genetic alterations or irregular lifestyles cause fundamental changes in physiology, from metabolism to cellular proliferation and differentiation, resulting in pathological consequences including cancer. Cancer cells are not uniform and static but exist as different subtypes with phenotypic and functional differences in the tumor microenvironment. At the top of the heterogeneous tumor cell hierarchy, cancer stem cells (CSCs), a self-renewing and multi-potent cancer cell type, are most responsible for tumor recurrence and metastasis, chemoresistance, and mortality. Phenotypically, CSCs are associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which confers cancer cells with increased motility and invasion ability that is characteristic of malignant and drug-resistant stem cells. Recently, emerging studies of different cancer types, such as glioblastoma, leukemia, prostate cancer, and breast cancer, suggest that the circadian clock plays an important role in the maintenance of CSC/EMT characteristics. In this review, we describe recent discoveries regarding how tumor intrinsic and extrinsic circadian clock-regulating factors affect CSC evolution, highlighting the possibility of developing novel chronotherapeutic strategies that could be used against CSCs to fight cancer.

Role of Circadian Transcription Factor Rev-Erb in Metabolism and Tissue Fibrosis

Circadian rhythms significantly affect metabolism, and their disruption leads to cardiometabolic diseases and fibrosis. The clock repressor Rev-Erb is mainly expressed in the liver, heart, lung, adipose tissue, skeletal muscles, and brain, recognized as a master regulator of metabolism, mitochondrial biogenesis, inflammatory response, and fibrosis. Fibrosis is the response of the body to injuries and chronic inflammation with the accumulation of extracellular matrix in tissues. Activation of myofibroblasts is a key factor in the development of organ fibrosis, initiated by hormones, growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, and mechanical stress. This review summarizes the importance of Rev-Erb in ECM remodeling and tissue fibrosis. In the heart, Rev-Erb activation has been shown to alleviate hypertrophy and increase exercise capacity. In the lung, Rev-Erb agonist reduced pulmonary fibrosis by suppressing fibroblast differentiation. In the liver, Rev-Erb inhibited inflammation and fibrosis by diminishing NF-κB activity. In adipose tissue, Rev- Erb agonists reduced fat mass. In summary, the results of multiple studies in preclinical models demonstrate that Rev-Erb is an attractive target for positively influencing dysregulated metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis, but more specific tools and studies would be needed to increase the information base for the therapeutic potential of these substances interfering with the molecular clock.

Magnitude of parathyroid hormone elevation in primary hyperparathyroidism: Does time of day matter?

BACKGROUND

Parathyroid hormone demonstrates a circadian rhythm in nondiseased patients, but it is unclear if this diurnal variation persists in the context of primary hyperparathyroidism. We anecdotally noticed that parathyroid hormone levels drawn early on the morning of parathyroid surgery (preincision parathyroid hormone), were of lower magnitude than values obtained at later times in the day. If present, a time-of-day based variation in parathyroid hormone could have important clinical implications on intraoperative surgical decision making.

METHODS

We performed an Institutional Review Board-approved, retrospective chart review of patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism between October 2019 and February 2022 at a quaternary care referral center. Demographic, laboratory, imaging, and operative parameters were extracted. Analysis was performed using mixed models for repeated measures with a first order autoregression correlation structure. Parathyroid hormone values were compared before and after hourly intervals between 6:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M.

RESULTS

Of 418 patients, the mean age was 61 years old, 80% of patients were female, and two-thirds had single-gland disease. A total of 933 parathyroid hormone levels were included in the analysis and median parathyroid hormone was 97.3 pg/mL. Parathyroid hormone levels were noted to be significantly lower if they were drawn before 7:00 A.M. This diurnal variation persisted in patients with single-gland and advanced hyperparathyroidism but was abrogated in multi-gland and low-baseline-parathyroid hormone disease.

CONCLUSION

In patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, parathyroid hormone levels were significantly lower in the early morning hours, especially in patients with single-gland and high-baseline-parathyroid hormone hyperparathyroidism. This may have implications for intraoperative decision making when utilizing an early morning, preincision parathyroid hormone value.

Determining the temporal, dose, and composition effects of nutritional substrates in an in vitro model of intrahepatocellular triglyceride accumulation

Pathological accumulation of intrahepatic triglyceride underpins the early stages of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cancer of the liver. Studies in humans suggest that consumption of a diet enriched in saturated compared to unsaturated fatty acids (FAs), is more detrimental to liver fat accumulation and metabolism. However, the reasons for the divergence remain unclear and physiologically-relevant cellular models are required. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the effect of modifying media composition, concentration, and treatment frequency of sugars, FAs and insulin on intrahepatocellular triglyceride content and intracellular glucose, FA and circadian function. Huh7 cells were treated with 2% human serum and a combination of sugars and FAs (low fat low sugar [LFLS], high fat low sugar [HFLS], or high fat high sugar [HFHS]) enriched in either unsaturated (OPLA) or saturated (POLA) FAs for 2, 4, or 7 days with a daily or alternating treatment regime. Stable isotope tracers were utilized to investigate basal and/or insulin-responsive changes in hepatocyte metabolism in response to different treatment regimes. Cell viability, media biochemistry, intracellular metabolism, and circadian biology were quantified. The FA composition of the media (OPLA vs. POLA) did not influence cell viability or intracellular triglyceride content in hepatocytes. In contrast, POLA-treated cells had lower FA oxidation and media acetate, and with higher FA concentrations, displayed lower intracellular glycogen content and diminished insulin stimulation of glycogenesis, compared to OPLA-treated cells. The addition of HFHS also had profound effects on circadian oscillation and gene expression. Cells treated daily with HFHS for at least 4 days resulted in a cellular model displaying characteristics of early stage NAFLD seen in humans. Repeated treatment for longer durations (≥7 days) may provide opportunities to investigate lipid and glucose metabolism in more severe stages of NAFLD.

Mammalian PERIOD2 regulates H2A.Z incorporation in chromatin to orchestrate circadian negative feedback

Mammalian circadian oscillators are built on a feedback loop in which the activity of the transcription factor CLOCK-BMAL1 is repressed by the PER-CRY complex. Here, we show that murine Per^-/- fibroblasts display aberrant nucleosome occupancy around transcription start sites (TSSs) and at promoter-proximal and distal CTCF sites due to impaired histone H2A.Z deposition. Knocking out H2A.Z mimicked the Per null chromatin state and disrupted cellular rhythms. We found that endogenous mPER2 complexes retained CTCF as well as the specific H2A.Z-deposition chaperone YL1-a component of the ATP-dependent remodeler SRCAP and p400-TIP60 complex. While depleting YL1 or mutating chaperone-binding sites on H2A.Z lengthened the circadian period, H2A.Z deletion abrogated BMAL1 chromatin recruitment and promoted its proteasomal degradation. We propose that a PER2-mediated H2A.Z deposition pathway (1) compacts CLOCK-BMAL1 binding sites to establish negative feedback, (2) organizes circadian chromatin landscapes using CTCF and (3) bookmarks genomic loci for BMAL1 binding to impinge on the positive arm of the subsequent cycle.

Efficacy of Kushen decoction on high-fat-diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of action of Kushen decoction on high-fat-diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats using RNA-seq technology.

METHODS

The efficacy of a Kushen decoction, at a concentration of 1 mL/g of crude medicine prepared according to the method commonly used in clinical practice, was investigated on 24 specific pathogen-free male Sprague-Dawley rats. Liver tissues were compared using RNA-Seq technology. The differentially expressed genes were further investigated by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR and Western blot (WB).

RESULTS

Serum triglycerides (TG), liver low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), body weight, body length, and Lee's index were significantly increased in the untreated hyperlipidemia-induced group (model) compared with the control group, whereas liver high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly decreased. Serum TG, liver LDL-C, bodyweight, and Lee's index were decreased in the high-dose Kushen decoction group (HDKS) compared with the model group, whereas liver HDL-C was significantly increased. Similarly, liver TG tended to decline in the HDKS group. Comparison of the gene expression profiles in the livers from different groups indicated that the Kushen decoction significantly affected metabolic pathways, PPAR signalling pathway, and circadian rhythm ( ≤ 0.05), with the genes ARNTL, PER3, and CLOCK being differentially expressed. qPCR and WB analysis confirmed the differential expression of the genes discovered by transcriptomics analysis.

CONCLUSION

The Kushen decoction may achieve a lipid-lowering effect on hyperlipidemic rats by regulating metabolic pathways and the circadian rhythm pathway and in particular, their related genes ARNTL, PER3, and CLOCK.

The circadian rhythm of calcium and bone homeostasis in Maasai

OBJECTIVES

Ethnic groups differ in prevalence of calcium-related diseases. Differences in the physiology and the endogenous circadian rhythm (CR) of calcium and bone homeostasis may play a role. Thus, we aimed to investigate details of CR pattern in calcium and bone homeostasis in East African Maasai.

METHODS

Ten clinically healthy adult Maasai men and women from Tanzania were examined. Blood samples were collected every 2nd hour for 24 h. Serum levels of total calcium, albumin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25(OH)D, creatinine, C-terminal telopeptide (CTX), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), and osteocalcin were measured. Circadian patterns were derived from graphic curves of medians, and rhythmicity was assessed with Fourier analysis.

RESULTS

PTH-levels varied over the 24 h exhibiting a bimodal pattern. Nadir level corresponded to 65% of total 24-h mean. CTX and P1NP showed 24-h variations with a morning nadir and nocturnal peak with nadir levels corresponding to 23% and 79% of the 24-h mean, respectively. Albumin-corrected calcium level was held in a narrow range and alterations were corresponding to alterations in PTH. There was no distinct pattern in 24-h variations of 25(OH)D, creatinine, osteocalcin, or BSAP.

CONCLUSIONS

All participants showed pronounced 24-h variations in PTH and bone turnover markers CTX and P1NP. These findings support that Maasai participants included in this study have typical patterns of CR in calcium and bone homeostasis consistent with findings from other ethnic populations.

Transcriptional Feedback Loops in the Caprine Circadian Clock System

The circadian clock system is based on interlocked positive and negative transcriptional and translational feedback loops of core clock genes and their encoded proteins. The mammalian circadian clock system has been extensively investigated using mouse models, but has been poorly investigated in diurnal ruminants. In this study, goat embryonic fibroblasts (GEFs) were isolated and used as a cell model to elucidate the caprine circadian clock system. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that several clock genes and clock-controlled genes were rhythmically expressed in GEFs over a 24 h period after dexamethasone stimulation. Immunofluorescence revealed that gBMAL1 and gNR1D1 proteins were expressed in GEFs, and western blotting analysis further verified that the proteins were expressed with circadian rhythmic changes. Diurnal changes in clock and clock-controlled gene expression at the mRNA and protein levels were also observed in goat liver and kidney tissues at two representative time points in vivo. Amino acid sequences and tertiary structures of goat BMAL1 and CLOCK proteins were found to be highly homologous to those in mice and humans. In addition, a set of goat representative clock gene orthologs and the promoter regions of two clock genes of goats and mice were cloned. Dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that gRORα could activate the promoter activity of the goat BMAL1, while gNR1D1 repressed it. The elevated pGL4.10-gNR1D1-Promoter-driven luciferase activity induced by mBMAL1/mCLOCK was much higher than that induced by gBMAL1/gCLOCK, and the addition of gCRY2 or mPER2 repressed it. Real-time bioluminescence assays revealed that the transcriptional activity of BMAL1 and NR1D1 in goats and mice exhibited rhythmic changes over a period of approximately 24 h in NIH3T3 cells or GEFs. Notably, the amplitudes of gBMAL1 and gNR1D1 promoter-driven luciferase oscillations in NIH3T3 cells were higher than those in GEFs, while mBMAL1 and mNR1D1 promoter-driven luciferase oscillations in NIH3T3 cells had the highest amplitude. In sum, transcriptional and translational loops of the mammalian circadian clock system were found to be broadly conserved in goats and not as robust as those found in mice, at least in the current experimental models. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the specific molecular mechanisms involved.

Neuroinflammation, Sleep, and Circadian Rhythms

Molecules involved in innate immunity affect sleep and circadian oscillators and vice versa. Sleep-inducing inflammatory molecules are activated by increased waking activity and pathogens. Pathologies that alter inflammatory molecules, such as traumatic brain injury, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and stroke often are associated with disturbed sleep and electroencephalogram power spectra. Moreover, sleep disorders, such as insomnia and sleep disordered breathing, are associated with increased dysregulation of inflammatory processes. Inflammatory molecules in both the central nervous system and periphery can alter sleep. Inflammation can also modulate cerebral vascular hemodynamics which is associated with alterations in electroencephalogram power spectra. However, further research is needed to determine the interactions of sleep regulatory inflammatory molecules and circadian clocks. The purpose of this review is to: 1) describe the role of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat protein-3 inflammasomes in sleep regulation, 2) to discuss the relationship between the vagus nerve in translating inflammatory signals between the periphery and central nervous system to alter sleep, and 3) to present information about the relationship between cerebral vascular hemodynamics and the electroencephalogram during sleep.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Evolutionary Adaptation to Lifestyle and the Environment

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is increasingly recognized as a complex metabolic disorder that manifests in genetically susceptible women following a range of negative exposures to nutritional and environmental factors related to contemporary lifestyle. The hypothesis that PCOS phenotypes are derived from a mismatch between ancient genetic survival mechanisms and modern lifestyle practices is supported by a diversity of research findings. The proposed evolutionary model of the pathogenesis of PCOS incorporates evidence related to evolutionary theory, genetic studies, in utero developmental epigenetic programming, transgenerational inheritance, metabolic features including insulin resistance, obesity and the apparent paradox of lean phenotypes, reproductive effects and subfertility, the impact of the microbiome and dysbiosis, endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure, and the influence of lifestyle factors such as poor-quality diet and physical inactivity. Based on these premises, the diverse lines of research are synthesized into a composite evolutionary model of the pathogenesis of PCOS. It is hoped that this model will assist clinicians and patients to understand the importance of lifestyle interventions in the prevention and management of PCOS and provide a conceptual framework for future research. It is appreciated that this theory represents a synthesis of the current evidence and that it is expected to evolve and change over time.

A Simulated Shift Work Schedule Does Not Increase DNA Double-Strand Break Repair by NHEJ in the Drosophila Rr3 System

Long-term shift work is widely believed to increase the risk of certain cancers, but conflicting findings between studies render this association unclear. Evidence of interplay between the circadian clock, cell cycle regulation, and DNA damage detection machinery suggests the possibility that circadian rhythm disruption consequent to shift work could alter the DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathway usage to favor mutagenic non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair. To test this hypothesis, we compared relative usage of NHEJ and single-strand annealing (SSA) repair of a complementary ended chromosomal double-stranded break using the Repair Reporter 3 (Rr3) system in Drosophila between flies reared on 12:12 and 8:8 (simulated shift work) light:dark schedules. Actimetric analysis showed that the 8:8 light:dark schedule effectively disrupted the rhythms in locomotor output. Inaccurate NHEJ repair was not a frequent outcome in this system overall, and no significant difference was seen in the usage of NHEJ or SSA repair between the control and simulated shift work schedules. We conclude that this circadian disruption regimen does not alter the usage of mutagenic NHEJ DSB repair in the Drosophila male pre-meiotic germline, in the context of the Rr3 system.

Circadian clocks and their role in lactation competence

Circadian rhythms are 24 h cycles of behavior, physiology and gene expression that function to synchronize processes across the body and coordinate physiology with the external environment. Circadian clocks are central to maintaining homeostasis and regulating coordinated changes in physiology in response to internal and external cues. Orchestrated changes occur in maternal physiology during the periparturient period to support the growth of the fetus and the energetic and nutritional demands of lactation. Discoveries in our lab made over a decade ago led us to hypothesize that the circadian timing system functions to regulate metabolic and mammary specific changes that occur to support a successful lactation. Findings of studies that ensued are summarized, and point to the importance of circadian clocks in the regulation of lactation competence. Disruption of the circadian timing system can negatively affect mammary gland development and differentiation, alter maternal metabolism and impair milk production.

Multi-Modal Regulation of Circadian Physiology by Interactive Features of Biological Clocks

The circadian clock is a fundamental biological timing mechanism that generates nearly 24 h rhythms of physiology and behaviors, including sleep/wake cycles, hormone secretion, and metabolism. Evolutionarily, the endogenous clock is thought to confer living organisms, including humans, with survival benefits by adapting internal rhythms to the day and night cycles of the local environment. Mirroring the evolutionary fitness bestowed by the circadian clock, daily mismatches between the internal body clock and environmental cycles, such as irregular work (e.g., night shift work) and life schedules (e.g., jet lag, mistimed eating), have been recognized to increase the risk of cardiac, metabolic, and neurological diseases. Moreover, increasing numbers of studies with cellular and animal models have detected the presence of functional circadian oscillators at multiple levels, ranging from individual neurons and fibroblasts to brain and peripheral organs. These oscillators are tightly coupled to timely modulate cellular and bodily responses to physiological and metabolic cues. In this review, we will discuss the roles of central and peripheral clocks in physiology and diseases, highlighting the dynamic regulatory interactions between circadian timing systems and multiple metabolic factors.

Time-restricted feeding prevents deleterious metabolic effects of circadian disruption through epigenetic control of β cell function

Circadian rhythm disruption (CD) is associated with impaired glucose homeostasis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). While the link between CD and T2DM remains unclear, there is accumulating evidence that disruption of fasting/feeding cycles mediates metabolic dysfunction. Here, we used an approach encompassing analysis of behavioral, physiological, transcriptomic, and epigenomic effects of CD and consequences of restoring fasting/feeding cycles through time-restricted feeding (tRF) in mice. Results show that CD perturbs glucose homeostasis through disruption of pancreatic β cell function and loss of circadian transcriptional and epigenetic identity. In contrast, restoration of fasting/feeding cycle prevented CD-mediated dysfunction by reestablishing circadian regulation of glucose tolerance, β cell function, transcriptional profile, and reestablishment of proline and acidic amino acid–rich basic leucine zipper (PAR bZIP) transcription factor DBP expression/activity. This study provides mechanistic insights into circadian regulation of β cell function and corresponding beneficial effects of tRF in prevention of T2DM.

Circadian Rhythms, Disease and Chronotherapy

Circadian clocks are biological timing mechanisms that generate 24-h rhythms of physiology and behavior, exemplified by cycles of sleep/wake, hormone release, and metabolism. The adaptive value of clocks is evident when internal body clocks and daily environmental cycles are mismatched, such as in the case of shift work and jet lag or even mistimed eating, all of which are associated with physiological disruption and disease. Studies with animal and human models have also unraveled an important role of functional circadian clocks in modulating cellular and organismal responses to physiological cues (ex., food intake, exercise), pathological insults (e.g. virus and parasite infections), and medical interventions (e.g. medication). With growing knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying circadian physiology and pathophysiology, it is becoming possible to target circadian rhythms for disease prevention and treatment. In this review, we discuss recent advances in circadian research and the potential for therapeutic applications that take patient circadian rhythms into account in treating disease.

The Circadian Oscillator of the Cerebellum: Triiodothyronine Regulates Clock Gene Expression in Granule Cells in vitro and in the Cerebellum of Neonatal Rats in vivo

The central circadian clock resides in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, but an SCN-dependent molecular circadian oscillator is present in the cerebellar cortex. Recent findings suggest that circadian release of corticosterone is capable of driving the circadian oscillator of the rat cerebellum. To determine if additional neuroendocrine signals act to shape cerebellar clock gene expression, we here tested the role of the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) in regulation of the cerebellar circadian oscillator. In cultured cerebellar granule cells from mixed-gender neonatal rats, T3 treatment affected transcript levels of the clock genes Per2, Arntl, Nr1d1, and Dbp, suggesting that T3 acts directly on granule cells to control the circadian oscillator. We then used two different in vivo protocols to test the role of T3 in adult female rats: Firstly, a single injection of T3 did not influence clock gene expression in the cerebellum. Secondly, we established a surgical rat model combining SCN lesion with a programmable micropump infusing circadian physiological levels of T3; however, rhythmic infusion of T3 did not reestablish differential clock gene expression between day and night in SCN lesioned rats. To test if the effects of T3 observed in vitro were related to the developmental stage, acute injections of T3 were performed in mixed-gender neonatal rats in vivo; this procedure significantly affected cerebellar expression of the clock genes Per1, Per2, Nr1d1, and Dbp. Developmental comparisons showed rhythmic expression of all clock genes analyzed in the cerebellum of adult rats only, whereas T3 responsiveness was limited to neonatal animals. Thus, T3 shapes cerebellar clock gene profiles in early postnatal stages, but it does not represent a systemic circadian regulatory mechanism linking the SCN to the cerebellum throughout life.

Roles of circadian clocks in cancer pathogenesis and treatment

Circadian clocks are ubiquitous timing mechanisms that generate approximately 24-h rhythms in cellular and bodily functions across nearly all living species. These internal clock systems enable living organisms to anticipate and respond to daily changes in their environment in a timely manner, optimizing temporal physiology and behaviors. Dysregulation of circadian rhythms by genetic and environmental risk factors increases susceptibility to multiple diseases, particularly cancers. A growing number of studies have revealed dynamic crosstalk between circadian clocks and cancer pathways, providing mechanistic insights into the therapeutic utility of circadian rhythms in cancer treatment. This review will discuss the roles of circadian rhythms in cancer pathogenesis, highlighting the recent advances in chronotherapeutic approaches for improved cancer treatment.

Epigenetic Regulation of Circadian Clocks and Its Involvement in Drug Addiction

Based on studies describing an increased prevalence of addictive behaviours in several rare sleep disorders and shift workers, a relationship between circadian rhythms and addiction has been hinted for more than a decade. Although circadian rhythm alterations and molecular mechanisms associated with neuropsychiatric conditions are an area of active investigation, success is limited so far, and further investigations are required. Thus, even though compelling evidence connects the circadian clock to addictive behaviour and vice-versa, yet the functional mechanism behind this interaction remains largely unknown. At the molecular level, multiple mechanisms have been proposed to link the circadian timing system to addiction. The molecular mechanism of the circadian clock consists of a transcriptional/translational feedback system, with several regulatory loops, that are also intricately regulated at the epigenetic level. Interestingly, the epigenetic landscape shows profound changes in the addictive brain, with significant alterations in histone modification, DNA methylation, and small regulatory RNAs. The combination of these two observations raises the possibility that epigenetic regulation is a common plot linking the circadian clocks with addiction, though very little evidence has been reported to date. This review provides an elaborate overview of the circadian system and its involvement in addiction, and we hypothesise a possible connection at the epigenetic level that could further link them. Therefore, we think this review may further improve our understanding of the etiology or/and pathology of psychiatric disorders related to drug addiction.

The Vascular Circadian Clock in Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is associated with extremely high cardiovascular mortality. The circadian rhythms (CR) have an impact on vascular function. The disruption of CR causes serious health problems and contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Uremia may affect the master pacemaker of CR in the hypothalamus. A molecular circadian clock is also expressed in peripheral tissues, including the vasculature, where it regulates the different aspects of both vascular physiology and pathophysiology. Here, we address the impact of CKD on the intrinsic circadian clock in the vasculature. The expression of the core circadian clock genes in the aorta is disrupted in CKD. We propose a novel concept of the disruption of the circadian clock system in the vasculature of importance for the pathology of the uremic vasculopathy.

Intermittent Hypoxia and Hypercapnia Alter Diurnal Rhythms of Luminal Gut Microbiome and Metabolome

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by intermittent hypoxia and hypercapnia (IHC), affects the composition of the gut microbiome and metabolome. The gut microbiome has diurnal oscillations that play a crucial role in regulating circadian and overall metabolic homeostasis. Thus, we hypothesized that IHC adversely alters the gut luminal dynamics of key microbial families and metabolites. The objective of this study was to determine the diurnal dynamics of the fecal microbiome and metabolome of Apoe-/- mice after a week of IHC exposure. Individually housed, 10-week-old Apoe-/- mice on an atherogenic diet were split into two groups. One group was exposed to daily IHC conditions for 10 h (Zeitgeber time 2 [ZT2] to ZT12), while the other was maintained in room air. Six days after the initiation of the IHC conditions, fecal samples were collected every 4 h for 24 h (6 time points). We performed 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to assess changes in the microbiome and metabolome. IHC induced global changes in the cyclical dynamics of the gut microbiome and metabolome. Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, S24-7, and Verrucomicrobiaceae had the greatest shifts in their diurnal oscillations. In the metabolome, bile acids, glycerolipids (phosphocholines and phosphoethanolamines), and acylcarnitines were greatly affected. Multi-omic analysis of these results demonstrated that Ruminococcaceae and tauro-β-muricholic acid (TβMCA) cooccur and are associated with IHC conditions and that Coriobacteriaceae and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) cooccur and are associated with control conditions. IHC significantly change the diurnal dynamics of the fecal microbiome and metabolome, increasing members and metabolites that are proinflammatory and proatherogenic while decreasing protective ones. IMPORTANCE People with obstructive sleep apnea are at a higher risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cardiac arrhythmias, stroke, and sudden cardiac death. We wanted to understand whether the gut microbiome changes induced by obstructive sleep apnea could potentially explain some of these medical problems. By collecting stool from a mouse model of this disease at multiple time points during the day, we studied how obstructive sleep apnea changed the day-night patterns of microbes and metabolites of the gut. Since the oscillations of the gut microbiome play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, changes in these oscillations can explain why these patients can develop so many metabolic problems. We found changes in microbial families and metabolites that regulate many metabolic pathways contributing to the increased risk for heart disease seen in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Circadian Clock Regulation of Developmental Time in the Kidney

We report the emergence of an endogenous circadian clock that regulates organogenesis in mouse fetal kidney. We detect circadian rhythms both in vivo with transcriptional profiling and ex vivo by bioluminescence. High-resolution structural analysis of embryonic explants reveals that global or local clock disruption results in defects that resemble human congenital abnormalities of the kidney. The onset of fetal rhythms strongly correlates with the timing of a distinct transition in branching and growth rates during a gestational window of high fetal growth demands. Defects in clock mutants typically have been attributed to accelerated aging; however, our study establishes a role for the fetal circadian clock as a developmental timer that regulates the pathways that control organogenesis, branching rate, and nephron number and thus plays a fundamental role in kidney development.

Circadian Misalignment and Metabolic Disorders: A Story of Twisted Clocks

Simple Summary

In mammals, many physiological processes follow a 24 h rhythmic pattern. These rhythms are governed by a complex network of circadian clocks, which perceives external time cues (notably light and nutrients) and adjusts the timing of metabolic and physiological functions to allow a proper adaptation of the organism to the daily changes in the environmental conditions. Circadian rhythms originate at the cellular level through a transcriptional–translational regulatory network involving a handful of clock genes. In this review, we show how adverse effects caused by ill-timed feeding or jet lag can lead to a dysregulation of this genetic clockwork, which in turn results in altered metabolic regulation and possibly in diseases. We also show how computational modeling can complement experimental observations to understand the design of the clockwork and the onset of metabolic disorders.

Abstract

Biological clocks are cell-autonomous oscillators that can be entrained by periodic environmental cues. This allows organisms to anticipate predictable daily environmental changes and, thereby, to partition physiological processes into appropriate phases with respect to these changing external conditions. Nowadays our 24/7 society challenges this delicate equilibrium. Indeed, many studies suggest that perturbations such as chronic jet lag, ill-timed eating patterns, or shift work increase the susceptibility to cardiometabolic disorders, diabetes, and cancers. However the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. A deeper understanding of this complex, dynamic system requires a global holistic approach for which mathematical modeling can be highly beneficial. In this review, we summarize several experimental works pertaining to the effect of adverse conditions on clock gene expression and on physiology, and we show how computational models can bring interesting insights into the links between circadian misalignment and metabolic diseases.

Serum factor(s) from lung adenocarcinoma patients regulates the molecular clock expression

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-associated deaths worldwide. Lung cancer may lead to circadian disruption, which could contribute to the development of lung cancer. Recently, several studies using animal models indicated that tumors influence systemic circadian homeostasis in remote tissues. However, it is unclear whether carcinoma of the lungs influences remote circadian rhythm, whether this effect exists in humans, and whether signals from the tumor travel through the blood. In this study, we used a cell-based assay to determine whether serum from patients with lung adenocarcinoma could modulate the molecular clock. We found that the daily oscillation period of Bmal1 was significantly lengthened following treatment with serum from untreated lung adenocarcinoma patients. In addition, heat inactivation of this serum abolished the effect, suggesting that a heat-sensitive circulating factor(s) is present in the serum of untreated lung adenocarcinoma patients. Using real-time PCR, we also examined the mRNA abundance of Bmal1, Cry1, and Per1 in human osteosarcoma u2os cell line, HUVECs and A549 cell lines. The expression of Bmal1 was changed in A549 cells in the presence of sera from lung adenocarcinoma patients. Our study revealed a direct effect of serum from lung adenocarcinoma patients on the molecular clock.

Time-of-day specificity of anticancer drugs may be mediated by circadian regulation of the cell cycle

Circadian rhythms are an integral part of physiology, underscoring their relevance for the treatment of disease. We conducted cell-based high-throughput screening to investigate time-of-day influences on the activity of known antitumor agents and found that many compounds exhibit daily rhythms of cytotoxicity concomitant with previously reported oscillations of target genes. Rhythmic action of HSP90 inhibitors was mediated by specific isoforms of HSP90, genetic perturbation of which affected the cell cycle. Furthermore, clock mutants affected the cell cycle in parallel with abrogating rhythms of cytotoxicity, and pharmacological inhibition of the cell cycle also eliminated rhythmic drug effects. An HSP90 inhibitor reduced growth rate of a mouse melanoma in a time-of-day-specific manner, but efficacy was impaired in clock-deficient tumors. These results provide a powerful rationale for appropriate daily timing of anticancer drugs and suggest circadian regulation of the cell cycle within the tumor as an underlying mechanism.

Exercise training elicits superior metabolic effects when performed in the afternoon compared to morning in metabolically compromised humans

The circadian clock and metabolism are tightly intertwined. Hence, the specific timing of interventions that target metabolic changes may affect their efficacy. Here we retrospectively compared the metabolic health effects of morning versus afternoon exercise training in metabolically compromised subjects enrolled in a 12-week exercise training program. Thirty-two adult males (58 ± 7 yrs) at risk for or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes performed 12 weeks of supervised exercise training either in the morning (8.00-10.00 a.m., N = 12) or in the afternoon (3.00-6.00 p.m., N = 20). Compared to participants who trained in the morning, participants who trained in the afternoon experienced superior beneficial effects of exercise training on peripheral insulin sensitivity (+5.2 ± 6.4 vs. -0.5 ± 5.4 μmol/min/kgFFM, p = .03), insulin-mediated suppression of adipose tissue lipolysis (-4.5 ± 13.7% vs. +5.9 ± 11%, p = .04), fasting plasma glucose levels (-0.3 ± 1.0 vs. +0.5 ± 0.8 mmol/l, p = .02), exercise performance (+0.40 ± 0.2 vs. +0.2 ± 0.1 W/kg, p = .05) and fat mass (-1.2 ± 1.3 vs. -0.2 ± 1.0 kg, p = .03). In addition, exercise training in the afternoon also tended to elicit superior effects on basal hepatic glucose output (p = .057). Our findings suggest that metabolically compromised subjects may reap more pronounced metabolic benefits from exercise training when this training is performed in the afternoon versus morning. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV ID: NCT01317576.