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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
06:53
Parallel Measurement of Circadian Clock Gene Expression and Hormone Secretion in Human Primary Cell Cultures
Published on: November 11, 2016
Clock genes are implicated in the human metabolic syndrome
P Gómez-Abellán1, J J Hernández-Morante, J A Luján
1Department of Physiology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
International Journal of Obesity (2005)
|July 27, 2007
Summary
Clock genes are expressed in human fat, with levels linked to metabolic syndrome features like obesity and high cholesterol. This suggests a role for these genes in metabolic disturbances.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Molecular Biology
- Chronobiology
Background:
- Clock genes regulate adipose tissue (AT) in animal models.
- Expression of clock genes in human AT is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate clock gene expression (Bmal1, Per2, Cry1) in human visceral and subcutaneous AT.
- Determine if clock gene expression relates to metabolic syndrome features.
Main Methods:
- Collected visceral and subcutaneous AT samples from morbidly obese men.
- Measured expression of hBmal1, hPer2, and hCry1 using quantitative real-time PCR.
- Assessed metabolic syndrome parameters including waist circumference and lipid profiles.
Main Results:
- Clock genes are expressed in both human AT depots.
- hBmal1 expression was lower than hPer2 and hCry1.
- Gene expression correlated with metabolic syndrome parameters, including waist circumference and cholesterol levels.
Conclusions:
- Clock genes are expressed in human subcutaneous and visceral fat.
- Their association with metabolic syndrome suggests a role in metabolic disturbances.
- This finding opens avenues for understanding obesity and related cardiovascular risks.
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