It is About Time: Circadian Clock in the Pancreas

Abstract

As an endogenous oscillator with a period of about 24 h, the circadian clock system enables us to optimize energy acquisition and homeostasis. In mammals, the clock system comprises of a central pacemaker and peripheral clocks. The pancreas has been shown to be a peripheral oscillator, which suggests a direct relationship between the circadian clock and pancreatic functions. Supported by evidences from animal models with molecular manipulation of clock genes and genetic studies in humans, the pivotal role that impaired clock system plays in the process of both endocrine pancreatic disorders and exocrine pancreatic disorders has been discovered. These findings provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of pancreatic disease, as well as possible new medical technologies.