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Updated: May 1, 2026

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In Vitro Bioluminescence Assay to Characterize Circadian Rhythm in Mammary Epithelial Cells
Published on: September 28, 2017
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Running for time: circadian rhythms and melanoma
Elitza P Markova-Car1, Davor Jurišić, Nataša Ilić
1Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia, elitza@biotech.uniri.hr.
Summary
Circadian clock genes are involved in melanoma development. Understanding circadian rhythm deregulation may improve melanoma diagnostics and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Circadian rhythms regulate physiological processes, and their deregulation is linked to diseases like cancer.
- Melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer, has poorly understood links to circadian clock genes.
- Core clock genes and their functional associations in melanoma development require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively analyze existing literature on the role of circadian clock components in melanoma development.
- To discuss the influence of circadian rhythm deregulation on DNA repair mechanisms and cancer development.
- To explore the protective role of melatonin and the arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) enzyme in melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review and analysis of current research data.
- Focus on the involvement of core clock genes and circadian rhythm deregulation in melanoma.
- Discussion of environmental factors like UV radiation and artificial light exposure.
Main Results:
- Circadian clock components play a role in melanoma development.
- Deregulation of circadian rhythms impacts DNA repair and cancer progression.
- Melatonin, via AANAT, may offer protective effects against melanoma.
Conclusions:
- Further understanding of clock gene involvement in circadian regulation is crucial for melanoma.
- Investigating circadian mechanisms could lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for melanoma.
- The interplay between circadian rhythms, UV exposure, and DNA repair warrants continued research in melanoma.
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