A newly discovered brain-connection protein that helps control wakefulness
A novel trans-synaptic adhesion complex as a regulator of hypocretin/orexin control of arousal
Researchers are studying a protein that helps hypocretin/orexin nerve cells keep you awake, with the goal of helping people with narcolepsy and severe daytime sleepiness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308660 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at how hypocretin/orexin neurons — the brain cells that help you stay awake — form and maintain their connections using a protein called C1QL3. Scientists will study C1QL3 in laboratory models and animal experiments to see how it changes the number and strength of connections onto these wake-promoting neurons. They will manipulate the protein and then measure effects on sleep–wake patterns and neuron structure. The long-term aim is to reveal molecular steps that could be targeted to restore or mimic hypocretin signaling for people with narcolepsy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with narcolepsy, especially those with cataplexy or unexplained severe daytime sleepiness, would be the most likely candidates for therapies informed by this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose sleep problems come from other causes such as insomnia, psychiatric conditions, or obstructive sleep apnea are unlikely to benefit directly from this line of work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new ways to restore or mimic hypocretin signaling and lead to treatments that reduce sleep attacks and cataplexy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show loss of hypocretin causes narcolepsy and that C1QL3 helps set excitatory synapse number in other brain circuits, but applying this protein to hypocretin neuron function is a novel direction.
Where this research is happening
Storrs-Mansfield, United States
- University of Connecticut Storrs — Storrs-Mansfield, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jackson, Alexander Choi — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Jackson, Alexander Choi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.