New research sheds light on the intricate connection between sex hormones and the body’s internal clock, revealing a previously unknown mechanism for hormonal regulation of cellular processes. A study from the Weizmann Institute of Science identifies the protein Cry2 as a key receptor responsible for hormone-driven synchronization of the body’s biological rhythms, a process vital for maintaining metabolic health and preventing disease [[1]]. The findings challenge prior understanding of hormone-receptor interactions and coudl open new avenues for treating conditions linked to circadian disruption, such as diabetes and certain cancers.
Sex hormones play a critical role in synchronizing the body’s internal biological clocks, both within individual cells and with the external environment, researchers have discovered. This synchronization is vital for maintaining healthy bodily functions, and disruptions to it have been linked to a range of health problems, including diabetes and cancer.
These internal, molecular clocks operate within nearly every cell, regulating essential processes like sleep and metabolism. Understanding how these clocks are coordinated is a key step toward addressing a wide range of health concerns.
A new study from Professor Gad Asher’s laboratory at the Weizmann Institute of Science revealed that female sex hormones, particularly progesterone, alongside the hormone cortisol, significantly influence this synchronization. The research pinpointed a specific protein, Cry2, as the key receptor for these hormonal signals.
Biological clocks are known to be influenced by external cues, such as sunlight, and by signals traveling through the bloodstream. However, the precise nature of these signals and the component of the biological clock that receives them remained unclear – until now. Researchers previously believed Per2 was the primary receptor, but the new study demonstrates that it doesn’t directly respond to sex hormones.
To overcome the limitations of studying these dynamic processes, Professor Asher’s team developed an innovative approach. They utilized a collection of human cells, each representing a different “time of day,” effectively creating a cellular landscape mirroring time zones around the globe. This allowed them to observe and map the synchronization of cellular clocks with unprecedented accuracy.
“Our results show that Cry2 is the protein through which hormones work to adjust the biological clock inside cells, thereby helping to regulate bodily functions according to both internal and external cues,” researchers said.
The findings highlight the complex interplay between hormones and the body’s internal timing mechanisms. Professor Asher noted that levels of sex hormones fluctuate throughout a person’s life – during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, hormone therapy, while using contraception, and during various illnesses – and these changes can disrupt biological clocks through interactions with the mechanisms the study identified.
These disruptions could have significant implications for health, underscoring the importance of understanding how hormonal fluctuations impact the body’s internal rhythms.
