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Updated: Nov 29, 2025

Parallel Measurement of Circadian Clock Gene Expression and Hormone Secretion in Human Primary Cell Cultures
Published on: November 11, 2016
Corticosteroids and circadian rhythms in the cardiovascular system
1Cardiovascular Endocrinology Laboratory, Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Cardiovascular Endocrinology Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular & Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) interacts with the heart
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Endocrinology
- Chronobiology
Background:
- The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is crucial for cardiac function and disease.
- Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) show efficacy in heart failure but have side effects.
- The circadian clock is a newly identified partner of the MR in the heart.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the MR in regulating the cardiac circadian clock.
- To explore the implications of MR-circadian clock interactions in heart disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on MR, GR, and circadian clock genes in the heart.
- Analysis of reciprocal interactions between MR signaling and circadian rhythms.
Main Results:
- The MR, similar to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), influences circadian clock gene expression and timing.
- Dysregulation of the MR-circadian clock axis is linked to cardiac disease progression.
Conclusions:
- The MR is a key regulator of the cardiac circadian clock.
- Understanding this interaction may lead to improved MR-targeted therapies for heart failure with reduced side effects.
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