Investigating how dystrophin affects the body's internal clock in muscles and the brain.
Official title: Dystrophin as a novel regulator of the circadian clock in skeletal muscle and the brain
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11032403 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a missing protein in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) affects the body's internal clock, which helps control sleep and other important functions, to find ways to improve sleep and overall well-being for people with DMD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | December 23, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $236,566 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS140497-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032403 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, particularly those experiencing sleep disturbances or related symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Duchenne muscular dystrophy or those not experiencing circadian rhythm disruptions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of dystrophin, a protein missing in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), in regulating the circadian clock, which controls sleep and other bodily functions. The study will use a special mouse model to examine how disruptions in circadian rhythms may contribute to the symptoms experienced by DMD patients, such as sleep disturbances and cardiovascular issues. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify new pathways that could improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve sleep and overall health for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of linking dystrophin to circadian regulation is novel, related research has shown that circadian rhythms significantly impact muscle health and function.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alexander, Matthew Scott — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Alexander, Matthew Scott
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.