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Melatonin, ROR-α and circadian rhythm in liver
Samanmitha Srinivasa1, Shuchi Odiyanda Charmanna1, Rachana Rajesh Nayak1
1Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, JSS Medical College, Mysuru, Karnataka, India.
Human Cell
|September 16, 2025
Summary
Disrupted liver circadian rhythms, influenced by melatonin and RORα, are linked to liver diseases like HCC. Modulating these rhythms offers potential therapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Chronobiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The liver performs vital functions including metabolism and detoxification, maintaining homeostasis.
- Liver function is regulated by circadian rhythms, with the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) acting as the master clock.
- Disruptions in liver circadian rhythms are associated with diseases like metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the significance of circadian rhythm in liver function.
- To investigate the roles of melatonin and Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor-alpha (RORα) in liver circadian regulation.
- To discuss the link between circadian rhythm disruption and HCC development, and potential therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on circadian rhythm, liver function, melatonin, and RORα.
- Analysis of the interplay between RORα, melatonin, and circadian rhythms in the context of liver health and disease.
- Exploration of RORα's role as a regulator of inflammation and potential tumor suppressor in HCC.
Main Results:
- Circadian rhythm is critical for liver homeostasis and function.
- Melatonin and nuclear receptors like RORα are key regulators of liver circadian rhythms.
- RORα influences immune function, cell growth, and differentiation, and acts as a potential tumor suppressor in HCC.
Conclusions:
- Circadian rhythm disruption contributes to HCC development.
- RORα plays a significant role in regulating inflammation and suppressing tumors.
- Targeting circadian rhythm modulations, RORα, and melatonin presents novel therapeutic avenues for HCC.
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