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Modulation of cellular circadian clocks by triterpenoids
Chihiro Suzuki1, Satoshi Fukumitsu2, Hideaki Oike3
1Food Research Institute, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 2-1-12 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8642, Japan.
Phytochemistry
|October 25, 2020
Summary
Certain plant-derived compounds, known as triterpenoids, can reset and synchronize the body's internal clocks. These compounds, including corosolic acid and celastrol, show potential for regulating circadian rhythms, impacting health and well-being.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Chronobiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Circadian rhythms are fundamental biological processes crucial for health.
- Disruptions to internal body clocks are linked to adverse health outcomes.
- Terpenoids, plant-derived compounds, possess diverse pharmacological properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of 27 commercially available triterpenoids on circadian rhythms.
- To evaluate the potential of triterpenoids in modulating core clock gene expression.
- To identify specific triterpenoids capable of resetting circadian phases in cellular models.
Main Methods:
- Utilized human U2OS and mouse NIH3T3 cells for circadian rhythm analysis.
- Measured Per2 gene expression using luminescent reporters over several days.
- Assessed the impact of triterpenoids on phase resetting and synchronization of cellular clocks.
Main Results:
- Eight out of 27 triterpenoids demonstrated significant circadian clock phase resetting.
- Corosolic acid, cucurbitacin B, and celastrol were identified as key compounds.
- Effective concentrations for cucurbitacin B and celastrol were below 0.5 μM, with efficacy shown in mouse tissue explants.
Conclusions:
- Specific triterpenoids can effectively modulate circadian rhythms in mammalian cells and tissues.
- Compounds like cucurbitacin B and celastrol hold promise for therapeutic applications in circadian rhythm regulation.
- Edible and medicinal plant-derived triterpenoids may offer natural strategies for maintaining healthy circadian timing.
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