We’ve always been told that our body’s internal clock—or circadian rhythm—is controlled by the brain. But new research shows your liver might have a bigger say in that schedule than we thought.
A study led by Associate Professor Frédéric Gachon from the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), in collaboration with Dr. Serge Luquet from Université Paris Cité in France, has found that liver cells actually influence your circadian rhythm. This surprising discovery could change how we understand the body’s sleep-wake cycle and even how we treat some common health issues.
What Exactly Did They Find?
Researchers transplanted human liver cells into mice, and the results were fascinating. Mice are naturally nocturnal—they sleep during the day and get active at night. But after receiving human liver cells, these mice started waking up and eating two hours earlier than they normally would.
In simple terms, the liver cells shifted the mice’s internal clock, even though their brain clock (which has always been considered the main controller) stayed the same. This shows that the liver has a real impact on when the body feels like sleeping or eating.
Why Does This Matter?
For years, scientists believed that a small group of brain cells called the suprachiasmatic nucleus was the master controller of the circadian rhythm. But this study proves that organs like the liver can also “talk” to the body’s clock and change the rhythm from the inside out.
That’s big news because many health problems like obesity, diabetes, and liver disease are linked to poor sleep, irregular eating patterns, and disrupted circadian rhythms.
“This study suggests that abnormal liver function may be one of the main reasons people with these conditions experience disturbed sleep and eating cycles,” says Dr. Gachon.
A New Path for Better Treatments?
Understanding the liver’s role in managing our internal clocks could open up fresh treatment ideas for people dealing with metabolic diseases.
“Restoring normal liver function might help reset the body’s clock and improve overall health,” Dr. Gachon explains. “It’s not just about getting better sleep—it could be a way to tackle obesity, diabetes, and other chronic issues.”
So, next time you're feeling out of sync, your liver might be playing a part in the story.
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