Abstract
The circadian system is an innate clock mechanism that governs biological processes on a near 24-hour cycle. Circadian rhythm disruption (i.e., misalignment of circadian rhythms), which results from the lack of synchrony between the master circadian clock located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) and the environment (i.e., exposure to day light) or the master clock and the peripheral clocks, has been associated with increased risk of and unfavorable cancer outcomes. Growing evidence supports the link between circadian disruption and increased prevalence and mortality of genitourinary cancers (GU) including prostate, bladder, and renal cancer. The circadian system also plays an essential role on the timely implementation of chronopharmacological treatments, such as melatonin and chronotherapy, to reduce tumor progression, improve therapeutic response and reduce negative therapy side effects. The potential benefits of the manipulating circadian rhythms in the clinical setting of GU cancer detection and treatment remain to be exploited. In this review, we discuss the current evidence on the influence of circadian rhythms on (disease) cancer development and hope to elucidate the unmet clinical need of defining the extensive involvement of the circadian system in predicting risk for GU cancer development and alleviating the burden of implementing anti-cancer therapies.
Highlights
In 2017, three investigators were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work on molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian system
AP-1 is a transcription factor involved in maintaining biological processes, such as cell proliferation and apoptosis [45], and was found to have light-dependent activation in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), adding to evidence that light plays a vital role in cancer development and circadian rhythm regulation [45]
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the previous studies in breast cancer female patients revealed a positive relationship between indicators of circadian rhythms disruption (CRDs) and breast cancer risk [58]
Summary
In 2017, three investigators were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work on molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian system. Nonpharmacological interventions including chronotherapy and melatonin have been implicated in the treatment of CRDs. The four integral clock proteins, PER, CRY, BMAL1, and CLOCK, all have complex molecular roles that can improve our understanding of cancer risk and biologically/clinically relevant outcomes [1, 6]. AP-1 is a transcription factor involved in maintaining biological processes, such as cell proliferation and apoptosis [45], and was found to have light-dependent activation in the SCN, adding to evidence that light plays a vital role in cancer development and circadian rhythm regulation [45].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
