Dialogue Between the Clock Gene Bmal1 and Retinopathy: What Is the Exact Relationship?

Circadian clock coordinates the physiologic and behavioral activities with a 24-hour solar rhythm to maintain the temporal homeostasis of the body. In the mammalian retina, the circadian system regulates the physiological function of this organ. The realm of ocular circadian rhythm has earned kinds of research interest as the circadian rhythms dysfunction will disrupt the retinal homeostasis. Bmal1 functions as a major transcriptional regulator of the circadian clock.

In the retina, Bmal1 mediates the processing of light information, sustains photoreceptor viability and governs neurotransmitter release. Moreover, Bmal1 gene is believed to be a pathologic cofactor of the diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), premature aging and refractive myopia. To date, the precise mechanisms underlying the pathological effects mediated by Bmal1 remain incompletely elucidated.

This review presents recent findings and evidence regarding the contributory role of Bmal1 in retinal degeneration and its deficits, while exploring its therapeutic potential. And th review provides a comprehensive analysis of the underlying mechanisms of the clock gene Bmal1 in other diseases, with the aim of offering insights into innovative therapeutic strategies for retinopathy.