The Circadian Clock in Skin

The document from 2015 explores the circadian clock's influence on skin biology, including its impact on stem cell functions, tissue regeneration, cancer, aging, immunity, and hair follicle regeneration. It reveals that the skin's circadian clock affects cell proliferation, DNA repair, and responses to environmental factors like UV radiation, which can lead to increased susceptibility to DNA damage and skin cancer. The clock also regulates immune functions, potentially affecting conditions like psoriasis, and plays a role in skin pigmentation and UV protection. The absence of key clock genes like Bmal1 can lead to disruptions in cell cycle regulation and increased sensitivity to UVB-induced DNA damage at night. The document also discusses the clock's influence on metabolic genes and immune cell functions, suggesting that circadian disruption could impact skin health and disease. It emphasizes the need for more research into the circadian clock's regulation within skin and its role in stem cells and regeneration, highlighting the skin as a model for studying circadian biology and the potential for chronotherapy in treating skin diseases.