Molecular connections between circadian clock and health/ageing.

ABSTRACT

For decades, considerable efforts have been expended for solving the molecular mechanisms of disease progression. An important clue to tackle this question is the circadian clock. Recent findings have uncovered previously unknown molecular connections between circadian clock and disease incidence, consequently causing the ageing process. Furthermore, 'chronotherapy' is emerging as a new concept of optimizing the time of the day for drug administration according to target gene expressions in order to maximize therapeutic efficacy and minimize the side effects. This concept will help cure patients and prevent them from suffering evitable pain and side effects. This JB special issue 'Molecular connections between circadian clock and health/aging' discusses how the circadian clocks link to health and ageing from molecular to organismal levels.