Disease Implications of the Circadian Clocks and Microbiota Interface

Circadian rhythms are closely tied to and regulate a variety of host physiologic functions (e.g., sleep-wake, immune function, metabolism). Emerging evidence has shown that there is an interplay between host circadian rhythms and the gut microbiota. Host circadian rhythm impacts the structure and function of gut microbial community, while in turn the microbiota regulates the host circadian clock and metabolism. Disruption of host rhythms can have detrimental effects on health and have been implicated in metabolic syndrome, gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases, and cancer. In this chapter, we will cover the importance of the bi-directional relationship between circadian rhythms and the intestinal microbiota on host health and disease.