The orphan nuclear receptor Rev-erb alpha: a transcriptional link between circadian rhythmicity and cardiometabolic disease

Purpose of review This review focuses on recent advances on the role of the orphan nuclear receptor Rev-erb alpha, a transcription factor participating in the control of circadian rhythm and cardiometabolic disease. Recent findings Circadian patterns of cardiovascular vulnerability are well documented, with a peak incidence of cardiovascular events in the morning. Recent studies have outlined the importance of the Clock genes in the development of metabolic disorders predisposing to atherosclerosis. Rev-erba is a nuclear receptor that regulates hepatic and adipose lipid metabolism as well as vascular inflammation. Moreover, Rev-erb alpha is also part of the clock transcription machinery and the target of some clock transcription factors. Summary These findings identify Rev-erb alpha as a modulator of cardiovascular risk factors and as a determinant of the circadian regulation of metabolic pathways. Moreover, Rev-erb alpha crosstalks with other nuclear receptors which influence atherosclerosis susceptibility. Rev-erbot may thus serve to integrate metabolic and circadian signals.