How the body's internal (circadian) clock controls metabolism and health
Molecular mechanisms of mammalian circadian clock function - Renewal - 1
This research looks at how the body's internal clock controls daily rhythms in metabolism and how that affects conditions like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180129 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers study the molecular parts of the circadian clock — proteins such as CLOCK, BMAL1, PER, CRY, and genes like Nocturnin — mainly using lab models and tissue samples to see how they drive daily gene and metabolic rhythms. They alter clock genes and measure changes in gene activity, biochemistry, weight, cholesterol, and behavior across daily cycles. The work aims to link clock disruption to metabolic problems and disease, and to point to biological targets that could be useful for future patient treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with disrupted sleep schedules or circadian disruption (for example shift workers or people with chronic jet lag) and those with obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease are most likely to benefit from findings in the future.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate new treatment should not expect direct benefit from this basic lab-focused research, since it mainly uses models and tissue studies rather than testing therapies in people now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat metabolic, cardiovascular, and cancer risks that are tied to disrupted sleep and daily rhythms.
How similar studies have performed: Animal and cell studies have already shown that changing clock genes can alter metabolism and weight, but turning those findings into human treatments is still early.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Green, Carla B. — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Green, Carla B.
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.