Daily Time-Restricted Feeding Alters Gene Expression throughout the Body

Altering the type or amount of nutrients consumed alters gene expression and functional processes, which underpin several observable health effects. The mechanism is through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the target of rapamycin (mTOR). Sirtuins, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) signaling all play a conserved role in modifying responses, according to decades of research into the molecular roots of these interventions. The majority of studies in this field of study have concentrated on individual tissues, even though nutritional and feeding treatments likely cause responses in several tissues, and the pleiotropic advantages may include inter-tissue communication.

TRF Gene Expression

TRF increases a wide range of gene expression

Table of Contents

1 TRF increases a wide range of gene expression
2 Clinical significance
3 Conclusion
- - 3.0.1 References

Time-restricted feeding or eating, also known as TRF or TRE in humans, is a unique strategy in which nutrients are ingested within a regular window of 8–10 hours each day, leading to pleiotropic health advantages that affect several tissues. Importantly, benefits are seen regardless of constant calorie intake or diet type, and numerous human investigations have also seen qualitatively similar benefits. Improvements in blood pressure, liver triglycerides, plasma lipids, heart function, gut health, endurance, motor coordination, exercise capacity, sleep, and gut health are among the advantages. There have also been decreases in tumor development, cancer risk, and the severity of neurological illnesses. It has been demonstrated that TRF influences diurnal fluctuations of the transcriptome (both timing and amplitude) in the Drosophila heart, mouse liver, and gut, as well as in human skeletal muscles. This results in concurrent alterations in organ function. Other organs’ transcriptome modifications haven’t been studied, though.

A study was carried out by a group of scientists to assess the effects of time-restricted feeding on several peripheral tissues and areas of the brain. The transcriptome of 22 tissues from laboratory mice that received ad libitum feeding (ALF) or TRF were examined for diurnal variations. Animals were kept in facilities with a light/dark cycle. All other experimental protocols were duly observed. It was discovered that TRF altered the majority of genes’ expression and/or rhythmicity (80%), some in a tissue-specific way. The majority of tissues’ gene expression became more rhythmic as a result of TRF, and it was divided into two different phases that corresponded to the fasting and feeding stages. Additionally, TRF enhanced food metabolism in the liver as determined by metabolite analyses and increased the rhythmic expression of genes implicated in important metabolic pathways across organs.

Clinical significance

The gene expression landscape that has been identified for TRF will be a valuable tool for elucidating the effects of TRF on pre-clinical animal models of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and chronic metabolic disorders. This will provide support for current and upcoming clinical trials examining the effectiveness of TRF in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus, obesity, and dyslipidemia.

Conclusion

Diets heavy in fat and carbohydrates are linked to negative health effects, such as shorter lifespans and health problems. Researchers have now demonstrated in mice how time-restricted eating affects gene expression in more than 22 different body and brain locations. This could serve as a platform for more groundbreaking research.