Investigating how sleep and metabolism interact at the neural level
Official title: Circuit level analysis of sleep-metabolism interactions
Funded at Texas A&m University · NIH-11007240 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sleep and metabolism are connected by exploring how certain genes and brain cells in fruit flies react to changes in food availability, which could help us understand how our bodies manage energy and sleep.
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 start | January 8, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $371,765 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131628-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007240 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who experience sleep disturbances or metabolic issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable sleep patterns and no metabolic concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the complex relationship between sleep and metabolism by examining how specific genes and neurons influence sleep patterns in response to metabolic changes. Using fruit flies as a model organism, the study will analyze how food deprivation affects sleep and activity cycles, leveraging advanced techniques like single-cell physiology and sequencing. The goal is to uncover the molecular mechanisms that govern these interactions, particularly focusing on the role of neurons that express the neuropeptide Leucokinin and how they communicate with adipose tissue regarding energy stores.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into sleep disorders and metabolic diseases, potentially informing better treatment strategies for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the links between sleep and metabolism.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keene, Alex C — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Keene, Alex C
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.