Investigating a protein's role in brain circuits that control arousal and sleep.
The role of presynaptic C1QL3 in a hypothalamic arousal circuit
['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT STORRS · NIH-10904774
This study is looking at how a protein called C1QL3 affects brain cells that help control sleep and wakefulness in people with narcolepsy and cataplexy, with the hope of finding new ways to understand and treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT STORRS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STORRS-MANSFIELD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10904774 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on narcolepsy with cataplexy, a neurological disorder characterized by sudden sleep attacks and disrupted nighttime sleep. The study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms behind the loss of specific neurons that regulate sleep and wakefulness. By examining a protein called C1QL3 in these neurons, the researchers will explore how it affects synaptic structure and function, which could lead to new insights into the disorder. The approach includes genetic techniques to manipulate the expression of C1QL3 and assess its impact on neuron behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy.
Not a fit: Patients with other sleep disorders not related to narcolepsy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing narcolepsy and improving the quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific role of C1QL3 in HCRT/OX neurons is novel, similar approaches have successfully identified key molecular mechanisms in other neurological conditions.
Where this research is happening
STORRS-MANSFIELD, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT STORRS — STORRS-MANSFIELD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ARMSTRONG, WILLIAM PATRICK — UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT STORRS
- Study coordinator: ARMSTRONG, WILLIAM PATRICK
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.