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[Disrupted circadian rhythms and senescence]

Hiroshi Watanabe1, Tohru Minamino1

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences.

Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine
|January 21, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Aging disrupts physiological rhythms, impacting clock genes and leading to shorter lifespans. Sirtuins and nitric oxide (NO) are key in regulating these rhythms and mitigating age-associated diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Chronobiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Aging is associated with widespread disruption of physiological, endocrine, and behavioral rhythms.
  • Disrupted circadian rhythms are closely linked to age-associated diseases.
  • Clock gene mutations shorten lifespan in animal models, highlighting their importance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of sirtuin family proteins in regulating circadian clock gene expression.
  • To investigate the connection between aging, circadian rhythmicity, nitric oxide (NO) production, and cellular senescence.
  • To understand how senescence affects the transmission of circadian signals within cells.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the sirtuin family's involvement in gene transcription, metabolism, senescence, and oxidative stress.
  • Examination of the relationship between impaired circadian rhythmicity and decreased NO production during aging.
  • Assessment of how cellular senescence impacts the ability to transmit circadian signals.

Main Results:

  • Sirtuins are implicated in regulating circadian clock gene expression.
  • Aging-related decrease in NO production correlates with impaired circadian rhythmicity.
  • Cellular senescence impairs the transmission of circadian signals to cellular clocks.

Conclusions:

  • Circadian rhythm disruption is a significant factor in aging and age-associated diseases.
  • Sirtuins and nitric oxide play crucial roles in maintaining circadian health during aging.
  • Cellular senescence contributes to age-related circadian dysfunction.

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