Time to fight: targeting the circadian clock molecular machinery in cancer therapy

Area of Science:

• * Chronobiology and Cancer Research
• * Molecular Oncology
• * Circadian Biology

Background:

• * The circadian clock governs numerous biological processes, and its disruption is linked to cancer development and progression.
• * Altered expression of core circadian clock genes is a hallmark of many cancers.
• * Existing research indicates that manipulating the circadian clock can impact tumor growth.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To provide a comprehensive review of therapeutic strategies targeting the molecular machinery of the circadian clock in cancer.
• * To summarize the efficacy of genetic and pharmacological interventions aimed at clock genes.
• * To identify future research directions for clock-targeting cancer therapies.

Main Methods:

• * Systematic literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
• * Analysis of research on genetic and pharmacological targeting of circadian clock components.
• * Evaluation of studies investigating the restoration of circadian rhythmicity in cancer models.

Main Results:

• * Inhibition and activation of core circadian clock genes demonstrate efficacy in reducing tumor growth across various experimental models.
• * Treatments designed to restore circadian rhythmicity have shown success in counteracting cancer progression.
• * Both genetic and pharmacological approaches targeting the clock machinery offer therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

• * Targeting the circadian clock represents a promising avenue for novel anticancer strategies.
• * Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex in vivo interactions between the circadian clock and cancer.
• * Addressing current knowledge gaps is crucial for the clinical translation of clock-targeting therapies.