The emerging link between cancer, metabolism, and circadian rhythms

Nat Med. 2018 Dec;24(12):1795-1803. doi: 10.1038/s41591-018-0271-8. Epub 2018 Dec 6.

Abstract

The circadian clock is a complex cellular mechanism that, through the control of diverse metabolic and gene expression pathways, governs a large array of cyclic physiological processes. Epidemiological and clinical data reveal a connection between the disruption of circadian rhythms and cancer that is supported by recent preclinical data. In addition, results from animal models and molecular studies underscore emerging links between cancer metabolism and the circadian clock. This has implications for therapeutic approaches, and we discuss the possible design of chronopharmacological strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Circadian Clocks / genetics
  • Circadian Rhythm / genetics*
  • Gene Expression / genetics
  • Humans
  • Metabolism / genetics*
  • Models, Animal
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / therapy*