Exploring how sleep and circadian rhythms affect protein buildup in neurodegenerative diseases.
Official title: Untangling the bidirectional relationship between the spread of pathological protein aggregates, sleep, and circadian clock disruption in neurodegenerative disease
Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-10815095 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sleep problems and changes in our body’s natural clock might affect the spread of harmful proteins in diseases like Alzheimer's, to see if bad sleep makes these diseases worse or if the diseases cause sleep troubles, with the hope of finding new ways to help patients feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $762,733 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG082349-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10815095 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly those experiencing sleep disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases who do not have sleep issues may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex relationship between sleep disturbances, circadian rhythm disruptions, and the spread of harmful protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. By examining how these factors interact, the study aims to uncover whether poor sleep contributes to the progression of these diseases or if the diseases themselves lead to sleep issues. The research employs a combination of clinical observations and animal models to explore these mechanisms, focusing on the role of autophagy in managing protein misfolding. Ultimately, the goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve sleep quality and slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between sleep disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woerman, Amanda L. — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Woerman, Amanda L.
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.