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Updated: Jan 29, 2026

Monitoring Cell-autonomous Circadian Clock Rhythms of Gene Expression Using Luciferase Bioluminescence Reporters
Published on: September 27, 2012
Circadian Clock Genes in Colorectal Cancer: From Molecular Mechanisms to Chronotherapeutic Applications
Haoran Wang1,2, Jieru Zhou1, Suya Pang1
1Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
Abstract:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a life-threatening malignancy, but our understanding of its pathogenic mechanisms remains incomplete-posing a major constraint on the development of effective therapeutic strategies. The transcription-translation feedback loop of clock genes (e.g., BMAL1, CLOCK, PER1/2/3, and CRY1/2) provides a promising novel avenue for deciphering the initiation and progression of CRC. Mounting evidence indicates that core circadian clock genes play pivotal roles in CRC oncogenesis by orchestrating the regulation of the cell cycle, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metabolic reprogramming, and the tumor microenvironment. This review systematically summarizes the expression patterns and mechanistic roles of core clock genes in CRC, while elucidating their molecular underpinnings in tumor progression via key signaling cascades (e.g., Wnt/β-catenin and c-Myc/p21 pathways). We emphasize the associations between circadian disruption and CRC-including diagnostic markers, prognostic assessment, and chemosensitivity-and provide an in-depth discussion of chronotherapeutic strategies and their translational potential. Finally, we identify unaddressed scientific questions and propose future research directions to facilitate the development of novel targeted therapies for CRC.
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