Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Parallel Measurement of Circadian Clock Gene Expression and Hormone Secretion in Human Primary Cell Cultures
Published on: November 11, 2016
A time to divide: does the circadian clock control cell cycle?
Jacqueline A Walisser1, Christopher A Bradfield
1McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin, 1400 University Ave, Madsion, Wisconsin, 53705, USA.
Abstract:
A variety of molecular, genomic and epidemiological evidence has linked cell cycle regulation to circadian rhythms. In a recent issue of Molecular Cell, Koeffler and colleagues show that PER1 sensitizes human cancer cells to ionizing radiation-induced apoptosis. In addition, PER1 expression was found to be downregulated in human tumors, suggesting a tumor suppressor role for the PER1 protein. The significance of PERs, clocks, and cell cycle control is discussed.
Insights
The PER1 protein sensitizes cancer cells to radiation-induced cell death. Its reduced expression in tumors suggests PER1 acts as a tumor suppressor, linking circadian rhythms to cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Genomics
- Cancer research
Background:
- Cell cycle regulation and circadian rhythms are interconnected.
- The role of PER1 in cancer is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of PER1 in human cancer cells.
- To determine if PER1 influences sensitivity to ionizing radiation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of PER1 expression in human tumors.
- Experiments on human cancer cells treated with ionizing radiation.
Main Results:
- PER1 sensitizes human cancer cells to ionizing radiation-induced apoptosis.
- PER1 expression is downregulated in human tumors.
Conclusions:
- PER1 may function as a tumor suppressor.
- Circadian clock genes like PER1 are significant in cancer development and treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
Molecular Factors Affecting Cell Division
Several proteins function as internal regulators to ensure each cell cycle stage is completed faithfully before proceeding to the next. Regulator molecules may act directly or influence the activity or production of other...
The Cell Cycle Control System
The Cell Cycle Control System
Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) are the primary cell cycle regulators and function at the cell...
The Cell Cycle Control System
What is the Cell Cycle?

