Genetics of chronotype and its links to metabolic disease
Official title: Genetics of chronotype and impact on metabolic disease
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11391256 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how a person’s natural daily rhythm and sleep timing influence the risk for adult-onset diabetes and related metabolic problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $825,636 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK107859-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11391256 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or at risk for metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes, who have questions about how circadian timing affects their health.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without metabolic concerns or interest in how sleep patterns relate to health are unlikely to directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at genes that control when people feel awake or asleep and how these timing cues relate to how the body handles sugar and fat. By analyzing large genetic data from thousands of people and combining it with measurements of sleep and daily activity, the study aims to map the genetic pathways that link circadian timing to metabolism. The findings could point to new ideas for therapies that align biology with individual sleep-wake patterns. The work builds on previous genome-wide studies to identify which genetic variants and tissues are involved in both chronotype and metabolic health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to personalized strategies that align sleep patterns with metabolic health to reduce diabetes risk.
How similar studies have gone: Prior large genetic studies have identified many chronotype-related loci and suggested links to metabolic traits, supporting further exploration in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saxena, Richa — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Saxena, Richa
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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.