How daily rhythms and reward systems affect health and disease
Interplay between circadian and reward pathways in homeostatic response and pathology
This study is looking at how our body's natural clock affects our brain's reward system and how things like artificial light and irregular eating can impact our health, especially in relation to diseases like Alzheimer's, with the hope of finding ways to help people manage these issues better.
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-11103630 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how our body's internal clock, which regulates daily rhythms, interacts with reward pathways in the brain. It aims to understand how disruptions in these rhythms, caused by modern lifestyle factors like artificial lighting and irregular eating patterns, can lead to health issues, particularly neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. By studying the connections between brain neurons that respond to light and those that respond to food rewards, the research seeks to uncover new insights into maintaining health and preventing disease. Patients may benefit from findings that could lead to better management strategies for conditions related to circadian rhythm disruptions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, particularly those experiencing disruptions in their daily routines.
Not a fit: Patients with neurodegenerative diseases unrelated to circadian rhythm disruptions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new strategies for preventing or managing Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of circadian rhythms in health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
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.