GPI-anchor biosynthesis and sleep: how our genes shape your sleep
Official title: The role of GPI-anchor biosynthesis in sleep regulation
Funded at Texas A&m University · NIH-11415088 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how a specific gene pathway influences sleep in people and animal models to understand why sleep disorders happen.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $703,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL178074-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415088 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with sleep disorders or those interested in participating in studies of sleep-related genes using adult human samples or data.
✕Less likely to help
People without sleep disorders may not directly benefit from this specific genetic investigation.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how the GPI-anchor biosynthesis pathway affects sleep by using a 3-D and 3C-based approach alongside ATAC sequencing to map genetic and molecular changes in brain cells. They will test these ideas in fruit flies and human neural progenitor cells to link genetic variation with sleep behavior and brain activity. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that could eventually lead to new ways to treat sleep disorders in people. The study combines computational analyses, animal experiments, and human cell studies to connect GWAS findings with functional biology related to sleep.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide the development of targeted therapies for sleep disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using similar gene-function approaches has identified sleep-related genes, supporting the feasibility of this strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keene, Alex C — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Keene, Alex C
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.