How the body's internal clock affects alertness
Regulation of arousal state by the suprachiasmatic clock
This research explores how our natural body clock, located in a part of the brain called the SCN, controls how alert we feel, especially in conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11081791 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are working to understand the specific brain pathways, cells, and connections that allow our internal clock to influence our level of alertness. This knowledge is crucial because many brain disorders, including depression and Alzheimer's disease, often involve severe problems with staying awake or feeling fatigued. Our goal is to uncover the exact mechanisms by which the SCN regulates arousal, which could lead to new ways to help patients with these challenging symptoms. We are focusing on specific neurons within the SCN and how they communicate with other brain areas involved in sleep and wakefulness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients experiencing arousal disorders, hypersomnia, fatigue, or those with neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease may ultimately benefit from future treatments developed from this foundational research.
Not a fit: Patients without issues related to arousal, sleep-wake cycles, or neurodegenerative conditions are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding and potentially new treatments for arousal disorders, hypersomnia, fatigue, and related symptoms in conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: This research addresses a fundamental gap in understanding these specific brain circuits, suggesting a novel approach to a complex problem.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fuller, Patrick M — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Fuller, Patrick M
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.