Circadian regulation of kidney function: finding a role for Bmal1

Mounting evidence suggests that there is an internal molecular "clock" within the kidney to help maintain normal renal function. Disturbance of the kidney circadian rhythm may pose a threat to water and electrolyte homeostasis and blood pressure regulation, among many other problems. The identification of circadian genes facilitated a more comprehensive appreciation of the importance of "keeping the body on time"; however, our knowledge is very limited with regard to how circadian genes regulate kidney function. In this brief review, we summarize recent progress in circadian control of renal physiology, with a particular focus on aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like protein (Arntl1; also called Bmal1).