Investigating the Role of Non-Coding RNAs in the Regulation of Circadian Clock Genes and Their Disruption in Metabolic Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Sneha Banerjee, Dr. Aditi Sharma
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi

Abstract

The circadian clock is an internal timekeeping mechanism that coordinates physiological and behavioral rhythms within a roughly 24-hour cycle, overseeing functions like metabolism, hormone release, and sleep-wake patterns. Disruption of these circadian rhythms has been closely associated with metabolic issues such as obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as well as neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Recent progress has underscored the significant influence of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), in the precise regulation of circadian clock gene expression. These ncRNAs can serve as post-transcriptional regulators, epigenetic modifiers, and molecular sponges, directly affecting key clock genes like CLOCK, BMAL1, PER, and CRY. This review compiles current insights into the interaction between ncRNAs and circadian clock regulation, highlighting how their dysregulation is linked to metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, we examine experimental methods for uncovering ncRNA-driven clock mechanisms and consider potential therapeutic approaches targeting ncRNAs to restore circadian balance.

Keywords

Circadian clock genes, MicroRNAs (miRNAs), Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), Circular RNAs (circRNAs), Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), Neurodegenerative diseases, Metabolic disorders, Chronobiology, Epigenetic regulation