REV-ERB-erating nuclear receptor functions in circadian metabolism and physiology.

A hallmark of the mammalian circadian timing system is synchronization of physiology and behavior, but when this synchronization is disturbed, chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome and depression may develop. Three new studies show that nuclear receptors of the Rev-Erb family impact the circadian oscillator and its metabolic output and this can be modified with specific agonists. Hence, resynchronization of metabolic pathways by manipulation of the circadian oscillator using REV-ERB-specific agonists may represent a feasible therapeutic concept to target diseases rooted in a misaligned circadian system.