How sex differences affect the body's internal clock and metabolism
Official title: Role of sex and protein degradation in the circadian clock
Funded at Morehouse School of Medicine · NIH-11144960 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how differences between male and female mice affect their internal body clocks and metabolism, which could help us understand health issues related to metabolism and chronic diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Morehouse School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2018 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $383,400 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM127044-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11144960 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals experiencing metabolic disorders or those affected by circadian rhythm disruptions, particularly women.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have metabolic disorders or who are not affected by circadian rhythm disruptions may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of sex and protein degradation in the circadian clock, which regulates our internal biological rhythms. By studying how these mechanisms differ between male and female mice, particularly during the estrus cycle, the research aims to uncover new insights into metabolism and health. The team is using innovative screening methods to identify specific proteins involved in this process, which could lead to a better understanding of how disruptions in circadian rhythms affect health outcomes. This work is particularly relevant for understanding conditions related to metabolism and chronic diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for metabolic disorders by tailoring interventions based on sex-specific biological mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding circadian biology and its impact on health, but this specific focus on sex differences and protein degradation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Debruyne, Jason P — Morehouse School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Debruyne, Jason P
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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.