NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

How nitrogen metabolism affects sleep and Alzheimer's disease

Official title: Nitrogen metabolism in sleep homeostasis and pathology

Funded at Kent State University · NIH-10931668 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how not getting enough sleep might affect our body's nitrogen processing and could be linked to Alzheimer's disease, especially by exploring certain compounds that help regulate sleep; it's for anyone interested in understanding how sleep and brain health are connected.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionKent State University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Kent, United States)
Project startSeptember 30, 2020
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$236,153
NIH project number5R00NS118561-04
Project IDNIH-10931668 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing sleep deprivation or those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Less likely to help

Patients with sleep disorders unrelated to nitrogen metabolism or those not at risk for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between nitrogen metabolism and sleep, particularly focusing on how sleep deprivation may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. The study examines the role of polyamines, which are compounds linked to the urea cycle, in sleep regulation and neurodegeneration. By using advanced techniques like mass spectrometry, the researchers aim to identify specific metabolites involved in these processes and explore how manipulating polyamine levels can influence sleep patterns. This research could provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies for sleep-related disorders and Alzheimer's disease.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve sleep and potentially slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the link between sleep and metabolic processes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Kent State University
    Kent, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Bedont, Joseph L — Kent State University
  • Study coordinator: Bedont, Joseph L

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.