The Circadian Clock as a Potential Drug Target in Bipolar Disorder
Chronobiological associations to bipolar disorder (BD) have been supported by the effectiveness of several modes of treatment including bright light, circadian phase advance, and drugs that are mood stabilizing that have effects on the circadian clock, including lithium. The neurobiology of the circadian clock has been widely studied over the past 3 decades, with a greater knowledge of the key signaling pathways, neurotransmitters, and signaling mechanisms that regulate several dimensions of the circadian clock purpose. Because of this, it is becoming more possible for the development of new drugs in BD to target molecular elements of the circadian clock, but there are multiple complexities to it that need to be considered. Through a review, researchers assessed the organization of the circadian clock in the nervous system in BD, considering distinct characteristics of it as a drug target in the BD. Methodological considerations and possible pathways are also discussed.
Reference: Porcu A, Gonzalez R, McCarthy MJ. Pharmacological Manipulation of the Circadian Clock: A Possible Approach to the Management of Bipolar Disorder. CNS Drugs. 2019;33(10):981-999. doi:10.1007/s40263-019-00673-9
