Circadian Rhythms and Cellular Networks: A Systems Biology Perspective

Abstract

The multi-scale view of circadian rhythms on the basis of systems biology would empower the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies such as chronotherapy. Depending on the feedback loops with multiple pathways and complex protein–protein interactions involved, the circadian clocks form the basic cellular timing mechanisms that synchronize vital physiological processes. The two essential cellular rhythms, the cell division cycle and the circadian pattern are coupled oscillators with intertwined bidirectional circuits. The circadian regulation of cell cycle may provide the molecular and cellular linkages among aging, cancer, and chronotherapy with implications for better drug efficacy and tolerance. Approaches including gene expression profiling and proteomic analyses are re-shaping our understanding of the circadian systems. Systems biology methods such as genetic perturbations and computational modeling within each scale may contribute to the advancement of systems and dynamical medicine.