Roles of Circadian Clocks in Cancer Pathogenesis and Treatment

Overview

Journal Exp Mol Med

Specialties Biochemistry
Molecular Biology

Date 2021 Oct 7

PMID 34615982

Citations 51

Authors

Yool Lee

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

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.

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