The Pro-Apoptotic Effect of Glucose Restriction in NSCLC via AMPK-Regulated Circadian Clock Gene Bmal1

The circadian clock is a crucial regulator of mammalian physiology, controlling daily oscillations in key biological processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and DNA damage repair. Disruption of circadian rhythms has been identified as a significant risk factor for cancer development and progression, yet the specific molecular mechanisms linking circadian dysfunction to cancer remain poorly understood. Recent studies have increasingly focused on the role of diet in modulating circadian rhythms, highlighting the potential for dietary interventions in cancer management. However, how dietary factors like glucose restriction interact with circadian rhythms to influence cancer cell behavior remains an open question. Here, we investigate the mechanisms underlying glucose restriction-induced apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, with a focus on the role of circadian clock genes. Analysis of the GEPIA database revealed that the circadian gene Bmal1 is highly expressed in normal tissues and associated with better prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma patients. In NSCLC cells, Bmal1 expression correlated with proapoptotic gene activity. In a tumor xenograft model using severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice, a glucose-restricted (ketogenic) diet significantly delayed tumor growth and increased the expression of Bmal1 and proapoptotic genes. These findings suggest that glucose restriction promotes apoptosis in NSCLC cells through a Bmal1-mediated pathway, providing novel insights into the intersection between circadian regulation and cancer biology. Targeting core circadian clock genes like Bmal1 may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for managing lung cancer, broadening our understanding of how circadian rhythms can be harnessed for cancer prevention and treatment.