How the body's internal clock switches genes off
Mechanisms of Circadian Repression
This research looks at how the body's biological clock switches genes off to help people with sleep and circadian rhythm problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321730 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how feedback repression—a process that turns clock-related genes off—keeps daily rhythms in cells. They compare two insect models, the monarch butterfly and the fruit fly, which use related but distinct clock mechanisms to learn how clock proteins like CLOCK, PERIOD, and casein kinase 1 work. The team uses genetic and molecular lab experiments to see how these proteins bind DNA ('on-DNA') and are removed ('off-DNA') to stop gene activity. Insights from these insect models are intended to shed light on the same clock mechanisms in mammals and humans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with sleep-wake timing problems, shift-work disorder, chronic jet lag, or other circadian rhythm disorders would be most likely to benefit from these findings.
Not a fit: People without sleep or circadian-related issues are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic, insect-based research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets or strategies for treating sleep and circadian rhythm disorders and other health problems tied to disrupted body clocks.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in fruit flies and mice have established core clock genes and their roles in daily rhythms, while this project applies a novel monarch butterfly model with single-copy clock genes.
Where this research is happening
College Station, United States
- Texas A&m University — College Station, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merlin, Christine — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Merlin, Christine
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.