Disrupting the cell’s internal clock greatly changes fat processing in liver cancer cells

Rhythms in lipid metabolism were observed in Bmal1-wildtype HepG2 cells, with a significant reduction in triglyceride and lipid droplet content in Bmal1-disrupted cells.

• The liver regulates lipid and energy balance through metabolic rhythms linked to the circadian clock.
• Bmal1-wildtype HepG2 cells showed rhythmic expression of lipid-synthesizing enzymes and variations in glycerophospholipid metabolism.
• Disruption of the circadian clock in Bmal1-disrupted cells led to altered hepatic metabolism.
• Bmal1-disrupted cells exhibited significantly lower triglyceride and lipid droplet content compared to control cells.
• The findings indicate a strong interaction between the molecular clock and lipid metabolism, particularly under pathological conditions.

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