How daily body clocks and brain reward systems affect health and disease
Interplay between circadian and reward pathways in homeostatic response and pathology
This research explores how our body's natural 24-hour rhythms and brain reward systems work together, and how disruptions might contribute to conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124716 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have internal clocks that keep us in sync with the day and night, influencing everything from our genes to our behavior. This project looks at how these daily rhythms are set by external cues like light and food, and how they interact with the brain's reward pathways. Researchers are particularly interested in how modern life's stresses can throw these rhythms off balance, potentially leading to metabolic problems and brain diseases. By understanding these connections, we hope to learn more about how to maintain good health and prevent certain conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with conditions related to disrupted daily rhythms, such as Alzheimer's disease or metabolic disorders, may find this research relevant to their health.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to circadian rhythm disruption or brain reward pathways may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to understand, prevent, or treat diseases like Alzheimer's by targeting the body's internal clock and reward systems.
How similar studies have performed: The research team has recently made breakthroughs in identifying specific brain connections that influence daily rhythms and food consumption, suggesting promising avenues for this work.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guler, Ali — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Guler, Ali
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.