Nutrition, Epigenetics, and Circadian Rhythms

Most organisms adapt to the 24-h cycle of the Earth’s rotation by anticipating the time of day through light–dark processes. The biological clock is crucial for the survival of living organisms and environmental adaptation. Current research suggests that this periodicity comprises a multi-feedback loop of transcriptional and translational regulation of genes related to the biological clock, with a core mechanism regulating near 24-h rhythmic oscillations. With the rapid development of life sciences, epigenetic regulation has become a prominent area of research. During biological clock oscillations, gene expression is closely linked to epigenetic modifications of chromatin. In this review, we explore the molecular regulatory mechanisms of the biological clock and its impact on nutrient metabolism, focusing on the interplay between circadian biology and epigenetic modifications. We also highlight the effects of dysbiosis on human health.