How brain clocks use light and senses to set daily rhythms
Molecular basis of circadian and sensory integration in neuronal clocks
This project looks at how brain cells use light and other sensory signals to keep daily body rhythms, with the goal of helping people with sleep and mood problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11332771 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The research team will study the molecular clock machinery in brain regions that respond to light and other sensory cues, tracking how clock genes turn on and off across the day. They will combine lab experiments on neurons with controlled light and sensory exposures to see how different signals synchronize these clocks. The investigators will use modern genetic and imaging tools in mammalian models to map circuits that link light and sensory inputs to mood-related brain areas. Over time the work aims to connect these basic findings to sleep disruption, metabolic changes, and mood disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with sleep timing problems, seasonal or mood-related disturbances tied to circadian disruption would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose symptoms are unrelated to daily rhythm disruption or who need immediate medical treatment are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat sleep and mood problems by targeting how brain clocks respond to light and sensory signals.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and laboratory studies show that changing clock genes or light exposure can alter sleep and mood-related behaviors, but translating those findings into human treatments remains early.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fernandez, Diego Carlos — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Fernandez, Diego Carlos
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.