Targeting cancer cell metabolism through circadian rhythm

A paper published in Nature identified two circadian regulators as new cancer targets, supporting a link between disrupted circadian rhythm and cancer. Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and colleagues suggest agonizing circadian rhythm regulators nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (NR1D1; Rev-ERBAa) and NR1D2 (Rev-ERBAb) may help treat cancer.

Circadian regulators such as NR1D1 and NR1D2 can control metabolic processes, including lipogenesis and autophagy, that are dysregulated in cancer cells. In the current study, the researchers examined the ability of NR1D1 and NR1D2 agonists to revert the metabolic changes that promote cancer cell survival and growth (see BioCentury Innovations, April 26, 2012 & Sept. 28, 2017)...