The circadian clock is a ubiquitous timekeeping system that organizes the behavior and physiology of organisms over the day and night. Current models rely on transcriptional networks that coordinate circadian gene expression of thousands of transcripts. However, recent studies have uncovered phylogenetically conserved redox rhythms that can occur independently of transcriptional cycles. Here we identify the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), a critical source of the redox cofactor NADPH, as an important regulator of redox and transcriptional oscillations. Our results show that genetic and pharmacological inhibition of the PPP prolongs the period of circadian rhythms in human cells, mouse tissues and in fruit flies. These metabolic manipulations also cause a remodeling of circadian gene expression programs that involves the circadian transcription factors BMAL1/CLOCK, and the redox-sensitive transcription factor NRF2. Thus, the PPP regulates circadian rhythms via NADPH production, suggesting a pivotal role for redox metabolism in circadian timekeeping.
References
-Rey G et al. The Pentose Phosphate Pathway Regulates The Circadian Clock. Cell Metabolism, 24, 462-473 (2016)
- Rey G & Reddy AB. Interplay between cellular redox oscillations and circadian clocks. Diabetes Obes Metab; 17 Suppl 1: 55-64 (2015)