The role of cryptochrome (CRY) in cancer: molecular mechanisms and clock-based therapeutic strategies

• Cryptochromes (CRY1 and CRY2) are core components of the circadian clock and play dual roles in cancer, acting as tumor suppressors or promoters depending on cancer type and context. • Disruption of circadian rhythms is linked to cancer development, and CRY proteins influence key cancer hallmarks including cell proliferation, apoptosis, DNA damage response, and metabolism. • Clock genes, including CRYs, modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) by affecting immune cell infiltration, angiogenesis, and inflammation, thereby impacting tumor progression and therapy response. • Clock-based therapeutic strategies, such as chronomodulated chemotherapy and targeting CRY proteins, hold promise for improving cancer treatment efficacy and reducing side effects.