When Time Meets Decay: Uncovering the Links Between Circadian Rhythms and Pancreatic Health
Giorgia Katsioudi,
Hjelt Grant Holder 2026,
University of Geneva.
Disruptions in our circadian rhythms, the internal biological clocks that regulate vital metabolic processes are linked to T2D pathogenesis. Peripheral clocks are located in almost all organs of the human body, including the pancreas that regulates the rhythmic secretion of insulin. Modern stressors like chronic shift work, irregular sleep patterns, or jet lag, cause a chronic hormonal misalignment, which significantly elevates the risk of developing metabolic diseases.
Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), a cellular mechanism that degrades certain mRNA molecules, regulates which genes are expressed under different conditions and potentially at different times of day. Our preliminary research shows that NMD is rhythmic in pancreatic cells and is important for normal pancreatic function. In this project, we will use a new mouse model that specifically blocks NMD in insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells to study how the interaction between NMD and the body's internal clock regulates insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. We will also examine these processes in human islets from healthy and T2D donors.
By uncovering the molecular links between circadian rhythms, mRNA decay, and pancreatic function, this research may improve our understanding of how internal clocks regulate insulin production and offer insights relevant to T2D development and prevention.