title: A Timeless Link Between Circadian Patterns and Disease.
abstract: The Timeless (Tim) gene, originally identified in Drosophila melanogaster and subsequently in mammals, is involved in the molecular clockwork that drives 24h periodicity in physiology and behavior. The Tim protein is involved not only in circadian rhythmicity but also in embryonic development, cell cycle progression, DNA replication, and the DNA damage response (DDR). It is thus a multifaceted factor implicated in the maintenance of many cellular processes, tissue functions, and ultimately homeostasis of various organisms, from insects to humans. This review highlights the current knowledge of Tim functions, especially the most recent achievements, and illustrates the possible roles that this factor plays in the physiological preservation of health, as well as in the pathogenic mechanisms of related diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine and Chronobiology Unit, IRCCS 'Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza' San Giovanni Rotondo FG, Italy. Electronic address: g.mazzoccoli@operapadrepio.it.
authors.forename: Gianluigi
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mazzoccoli
authors.affiliation: IRCCS SDN, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Mikko O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Laukkanen
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine and Chronobiology Unit, IRCCS 'Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza' San Giovanni Rotondo FG, Italy; Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Sciences and Technology (IEMEST), Palermo, Italy; School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK; University College London, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, London, UK.
authors.forename: Manlio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vinciguerra
authors.affiliation: Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy.
authors.forename: Tommaso
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Colangelo
authors.affiliation: Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy.
authors.forename: Vittorio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Colantuoni
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004260:DNA Repair; D004194:Disease; D029721:Drosophila Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D029721:Drosophila Proteins; C096445:tim protein, Drosophila
keywords: Timeless; circadian; clock; gene