Epigenetic and Transcriptional Rewiring of Circadian Clock Genes by Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Implications for Lung and Breast Cancer Initiation and Progression

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread environmental pollutants with established carcinogenic properties traditionally linked to genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and DNA adduct formation. Emerging evidence, however, suggests that PAHs also function as chronotoxic agents capable of disrupting circadian homeostasis through transcriptional and epigenetic reprogramming of core clock genes. This review critically examines the molecular interplay between PAH exposure, circadian clock dy