Circadian–Melatonin Axis in Systemic Disease: From Molecular Mechanisms to Precision Medicine

The circadian system orchestrates physiological processes across multiple organ systems, maintaining homeostasis through tightly regulated molecular clocks. As a primary endocrine signal, melatonin plays a pivotal role in synchronizing circadian rhythms with environmental cues and modulating diverse biological functions, including metabolism, immune surveillance, and cellular stress adaptation.

Accumulating evidence suggests that the disruption of the circadian–melatonin axis contributes to the pathogenesis of a broad spectrum of systemic diseases, including malignancy, neurodegenerative disorders, reproductive disorders, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, and immune dysfunction. This Research Topic aims to explore how melatonin and its downstream signaling pathways (specifically MTNR1A/MTNR1B) influence the onset and progression of these conditions. Ultimately, this collection seeks to consolidate evidence for chronomedicine, leveraging circadian biology to optimize therapeutic timing and develop personalized interventions for improved patient outcomes.

The coordination between the circadian system and the melatonin axis is fundamental to physiological homeostasis. This Research Topic focuses on the molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms of the circadian–melatonin axis and its multifaceted roles in disease. We invite original research and comprehensive reviews that delve into the molecular biology of melatonin receptors, the epigenetic regulation of clock genes, and the signaling crosstalk between rhythmic oscillators and systemic pathological processes. By integrating molecular insights, this collection aims to advance the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers, fostering a deeper understanding of circadian medicine at both subcellular and systemic levels.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Regulation of circadian clock genes

• Melatonin receptor signaling pathways

• Epigenetic and post-translational regulation of rhythms

• Circadian control of metabolism and energy homeostasis

• Inter-organ communication and systemic integration

• Cancer biology and the chronobiology of the tumor microenvironment

• Circadian–melatonin regulation of reproductive disorders

• Sleep disorders and their link to psychiatric conditions

• Chronotherapy and circadian-based treatment strategies

• Biomarker discovery for circadian rhythm disruption

• Pharmacological potential of melatonin-based therapeutics

• Precision medicine and personalized chronomedicine

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: circadian rhythm, melatonin, molecular mechanisms, systemic disease, chronobiology, precision medicine, MTNR1A, MTNR1B, BMAL1, CLOCK, chronotherapy

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.