‘Body Clock’ Chemical Could Help Fight Mesothelioma
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‘Body Clock’ Chemical Could Help Fight Mesothelioma

One of the chemicals responsible for helping establish the body’s circadian rhythms may also help doctors fight mesothelioma. BMAL1 is an important component of the circadian clock, the internal biochemical ‘clock’ that regulates such important body functions as heart rhythm, wake-sleep cycles, and hunger.  Previous studies have found that mesothelioma cells produce more BMAL1 than healthy cells. Now, a group of Japanese doctors is proposing that the extra BMAL1 in mesothelioma cells could serve as a target for anti-cancer drugs. Malignant pleural mesothelioma – the most common form of mesothelioma – is a cancer of the mesothelial lining around the lungs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos and, to date, there is no consistently affective treatment.  The irregular shape of…