Molecular and genetic aspects of interactions of the circadian clock and the energy-producing substrate metabolism in mammals.

The circadian clock system coordinates all the processes occurring in the body and controls the rhythmic pattern in metabolic system functioning. The reciprocal relationship between molecular and genetic systems of the circadian clock and the systems responsible for carbohydrate and lipid turnover provide fine tuning both of metabolic processes and the circadian clock regulation system, permitting the body to adapt to a variable environment. NAD-dependent enzymes, protein-kinases, and transcription regulators could serve as presumable molecular components, which are responsible for such a type of relationship. Genetic models and epidemiological studies demonstrate an association between mutations in the circadian clock genes with the risk of a disturbance of metabolic processes regulation, obesity development, and other manifestations of metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]