Disrupted Body Clocks and Their Role in Colorectal Cancer Timing Related to Metabolism, Immunity, and Spread

A systematic search identified 1,338 records, with 43 studies meeting eligibility criteria, highlighting significant associations between circadian clock dysregulation and various biological alterations in colorectal cancer.

• Dysregulation of clock genes such as PER1, PER3, CLOCK, BMAL1, CRY1, TIMELESS, and ARNTL2 is associated with changes in cell proliferation, metabolism, and immune regulation in colorectal cancer.
• Significant links were found between circadian rhythm disruptions and increased metastatic potential and altered treatment responsiveness.
• Experimental studies indicate interactions with Wnt signaling and mechanisms like oxidative-stress adaptation and epithelial-mesenchymal remodeling.
• A proposed clock-microbiota-immune axis suggests a complex interplay affecting colorectal cancer biology.
• Circadian dysregulation is characterized as a systems-level disturbance, contributing to what is termed the Tumor Temporal State.

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