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Circadian rhythms and breast cancer: unraveling the biological clock’s role in tumor microenvironment and ageing

Authors :
Yalan Yan
Lanqian Su
Shanshan Huang
Qihui He
Jiaan Lu
Huiyan Luo
Ke Xu
Guanhu Yang
Shangke Huang
Hao Chi
Source :
Frontiers in Immunology, Vol 15 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2024.

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common and fatal malignancies among women worldwide. Circadian rhythms have emerged in recent studies as being involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. In this paper, we reviewed the molecular mechanisms by which the dysregulation of the circadian genes impacts the development of BC, focusing on the critical clock genes, brain and muscle ARNT-like protein 1 (BMAL1) and circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK). We discussed how the circadian rhythm disruption (CRD) changes the tumor microenvironment (TME), immune responses, inflammation, and angiogenesis. The CRD compromises immune surveillance and features and activities of immune effectors, including CD8+ T cells and tumor-associated macrophages, that are important in an effective anti-tumor response. Meanwhile, in this review, we discuss bidirectional interactions: age and circadian rhythms, aging further increases the risk of breast cancer through reduced vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), affecting suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) synchronization, reduced ability to repair damaged DNA, and weakened immunity. These complex interplays open new avenues toward targeted therapies by the combination of clock drugs with chronotherapy to potentiate the immune response while reducing tumor progression for better breast cancer outcomes. This review tries to cover the broad area of emerging knowledge on the tumor-immune nexus affected by the circadian rhythm in breast cancer.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16643224
Volume :
15
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Frontiers in Immunology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.1f3d70098440c3926647ec96c4bd6a
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1444426