Protein links metabolism and circadian rhythms
Work could lead to drugs to combat obesity, aging and jetlag
Cue stomach rumbles
Sirtuin 1 sets clock to
Metabolism
Now, two groups of researchers report in the July 25 Cell the discovery of a molecule that links metabolism to the circadian clock. The missing link turns out to be a protein called sirtuin 1 or SIRT1, which is also a key regulator of aging.
Uncovering the mechanism that links metabolism and circadian rhythms could lead to drugs to combat obesity, aging and jetlag and help shift workers reset their body clocks.