Embryonic Circadian Rhythm Establishment, Homeostasis, and Dysfunction During Organogenesis

Si-Lin Chen; Hang Zhou; Yu-Mei Li; Yun-Wen Zheng

doi:10.1155/sci/9621027

Embryonic Circadian Rhythm Establishment, Homeostasis, and Dysfunction During Organogenesis

Stem Cells Int. 2025 Sep 18:2025:9621027. doi: 10.1155/sci/9621027. eCollection 2025.

Authors

Si-Lin Chen¹, Hang Zhou¹, Yu-Mei Li¹, Yun-Wen Zheng^{1

2

3

4

5}

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, Jiangsu, China.
² Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, and South China Institute of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Pharmacy and Food Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, Guangdong 529020, China.
³ Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin 300020, China.
⁴ Department of Medical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan.
⁵ International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan.

Abstract

Background: Circadian rhythms play a crucial role in the management of the temporal organization of various physiological and cellular processes in mammalian cell types. These rhythms are involved in the regulation of the cell cycle and metabolism and have implications for pathogenesis and physiological homeostasis. Therapeutic approaches that target circadian regulation are emerging for the treatment of digestive disorders, metabolic diseases, and cancer. The proper coordination of cellular clocks is essential for tissue homeostasis and metabolic health. Methods: The exact mechanisms governing the development and regulation of the circadian clock during embryo development are still unclear. However, embryo rhythms, such as those in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), liver, kidney, adrenal gland, and intestinal system, are believed to be influenced by maternal rhythms during different stages of embryo development. These rhythms then oscillate independently from the timing marked as the key to embryo development. In this review, we synthesize our laboratory experience and summarize current research to provide insight into how circadian rhythms regulate and synchronize organ functions for growth and differentiation during embryo development. Results: Our laboratory experience and current research suggest that circadian rhythms are involved in the regulation of organ functions during embryo development. Maternal rhythms may entrain embryo rhythms during specific developmental stages, leading to independent oscillation and coordination of organ functions. This knowledge has implications for regenerative medicine and potential clinical applications. Conclusions: Circadian rhythms play a crucial role in the coordination and synchronization of organ functions for growth and differentiation during embryo development. Understanding the regulation of circadian rhythms in embryos can provide valuable information for regenerative medicine and potential clinical applications. More research is needed to fully unravel the mechanisms underlying circadian clock development and regulation during embryo development.

Keywords: circadian rhythms; clock genes; dysfunction; embryo; homeostasis.

Publication types

Review