Research on Circadian Rhythms and Fat Metabolism at UT San Antonio

The University of Texas at San Antonio is investigating the role of circadian rhythms in fat metabolism, highlighting the significance of our internal biological clocks. Kevin Koronowski, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology at the Long School of Medicine and a researcher at the Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, emphasizes that while sleep is a well-known circadian rhythm, every organ and tissue in the body follows a similar pattern regulating various functions, including immune response, metabolism, cardiovascular health, and cognitive performance.

Koronowski's lab is currently studying the rhythm of fat metabolism, which he describes as having distinct phases for eating and fasting. He explains that during waking hours when eating occurs, the body tends to store fat, while during sleep, it is more inclined to burn fat. He notes that this balance works well under normal circumstances but may become problematic with high-fat diets or metabolic diseases.

This metabolic rhythm is influenced by two proteins: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), which promote fat burning, and cryptochrome (CRY), which inhibits PPARs, stopping the fat-burning process. Koronowski speculates that this inhibition could hinder the body's ability to burn excess fat when necessary. He proposes that disrupting this daily inhibition might enable individuals with metabolic disorders to burn fat continuously rather than only at certain times of the day.

The American Heart Association is supporting this research due to the connection between circadian misalignment and metabolic dysfunction as drivers of cardiovascular disease. Koronowski aims to clarify these mechanisms and explore how they impact metabolic diseases, which may lead to new therapeutic strategies to manipulate circadian rhythms for better fat metabolism.

Science & Medicine is a partnership between TPR and UT Health San Antonio, focusing on scientific advancements in medicine.