Small Molecules Targeting Biological Clock; A Novel Prospective for Anti-Cancer Drugs

Area of Science:

• Chronobiology
• Molecular Pharmacology
• Oncology

Background:

• Circadian rhythms are endogenous biological oscillators regulating physiological, biochemical, and behavioral processes over ~24-hour cycles.
• Disruptions in circadian rhythms are increasingly linked to the development of various diseases, notably cancer.
• Recent advancements reveal that specific small molecules can modulate circadian clock function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of small molecules in developing novel therapeutics.
• To emphasize recent progress in identifying small-molecule modulators of the circadian clock.
• To explore the application of these modulators in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent scientific publications.
• Analysis of studies identifying small-molecule circadian clock modulators.
• Examination of preclinical and clinical data on their therapeutic potential, particularly in oncology.

Main Results:

• Identification of numerous small molecules capable of modulating circadian clock mechanisms.
• Demonstration that these modulators can influence circadian-associated disorders, including metabolic, cardiovascular, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases.
• Emerging evidence supports the role of small-molecule clock modulators in cancer therapy.

Conclusions:

• Small molecules represent a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention in circadian clock-related disorders.
• Targeting the circadian clock with small molecules offers a novel strategy for cancer treatment.
• Further research into small-molecule clock modulators is warranted for drug development.