Many aspects of human physiology and behavior display rhythmicity with a
period of approximately 24 h. Rhythmic changes are controlled by an endogenous
time keeper, the circadian clock, and include sleep-wake cycles, physical and
mental performance capability, blood pressure, and body temperature.
Consequently, many diseases, such as metabolic, sleep, autoimmune and mental
disorders and cancer, are connected to the circadian rhythm. The development
of therapies that take circadian biology into account is thus a promising
strategy to improve treatments of diverse disorders, ranging from allergic
syndromes to cancer. Circadian alteration of body functions and behavior are,
at the molecular level, controlled and mediated by widespread changes in gene
expression that happen in anticipation of predictably changing requirements
during the day. At the core of the molecular clockwork is a well-studied
transcription-translation negative feedback loop. However, evidence is
emerging that additional post-transcriptional, RNA-based mechanisms are
required to maintain proper clock function. Here, we will discuss recent work
implicating regulated mRNA stability, translation and alternative splicing in
the control of the mammalian circadian clock, and its role in health and
disease