Body clock, metabolism link could lead to cancer treatment

Researchers at University of California, Irvine, have found that circadian rhythms, our own body clock, regulate energy levels in cells.

Researchers at University of California, Irvine, have found that circadian rhythms, our own body clock, regulate energy levels in cells.

According to researchers, the findings could provide greater insights into the bond between the body''s day-night patterns and metabolism. They said that the discovery could help create new ways to treat cancer, diabetes, obesity and a host of related diseases.

Also, Paolo Sassone-Corsi, Distinguished Professor and Chair of Pharmacology, and his colleagues found that the proteins involved with circadian rhythms and metabolism are intrinsically linked and dependent upon each other.

"Our circadian rhythms and metabolism are closely partnered to ensure that cells function properly and remain healthy. This discovery opens a new window for us to understand how these two fundamental processes work together, and it can have a great impact on new treatments for diseases caused by cell energy deficiencies," Sassone-Corsi said.

Sassone-Corsi had already identified that the enzyme protein CLOCK is an essential molecular gear of the circadian machinery and interacts with a protein, SIRT1, which senses cell energy levels and modulates aging and metabolism.

In the new study, Sassone-Corsi and his colleagues show that CLOCK works in balance with SIRT1 to direct activity in a cell pathway by which metabolic proteins send signals called the NAD+ salvage pathway.

"When the balance between these two vital processes is upset, normal cellular function can be disrupted. And this can lead to illness and disease," Sassone-Corsi said.

He said that the findings suggest that proper sleep and diet may help maintain or rebuild this balance, and also help explain why lack of rest or disruption of normal sleep patterns can increase hunger, leading to obesity-related illnesses and accelerated aging.

The specific interaction between CLOCK and SIRT1 and the NAD+ salvage pathway also presents a starting point for drug development aimed at curbing cell dysfunction and death, thereby helping to solve major medical problems such as cancer and diabetes.

Their study appears online in Science Express.