Circadian disruption in hepatocellular carcinoma: Current findings and future directions of molecular mechanisms

Circadian disruption may play a significant role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

• Circadian disruption could affect cell cycle regulation, metabolic balance, and immune response in the liver.
• Abnormal activation of clock proteins CLOCK and BMAL1 may lead to increased HCC cell growth and decreased tumor cell death.
• These clock proteins could help tumors evade the immune system, contributing to HCC progression.
• Recovering normal circadian rhythms through drug treatment or timing therapies may help slow tumor growth and improve treatment results.
• This review covers the involvement of CLOCK and BMAL1 in HCC and discusses new therapies aimed at circadian regulation.

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