How Microbes Influence Our Body Clocks
Microbial regulation of vertebrate circadian clocks
This project looks at how tiny microbes in our environment might affect our body's natural daily rhythms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11111350 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have internal clocks that control many daily functions, from sleep to metabolism. These clocks are influenced by external cues, but we don't fully understand how microbes around us play a role. This research will use zebrafish to observe in real-time how microbes change the signals that set our body clocks. By understanding these connections, we hope to discover new ways our bodies regulate these important daily rhythms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation, but future studies building on this work might seek individuals experiencing circadian rhythm disruptions or related health conditions.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand how environmental factors, specifically microbes, contribute to disruptions in human circadian rhythms, potentially leading to new ways to manage sleep disorders or other health issues.
How similar studies have performed: While the core mechanisms of circadian clocks are well-established, the specific interaction with microbial exposure for entrainment is a novel area of exploration.
Where this research is happening
Santa Cruz, United States
- University of California Santa Cruz — Santa Cruz, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kimmey, Jacqueline Misum — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Kimmey, Jacqueline Misum
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.