Investigating inhibitors of serotonin N-acetyltransferase for circadian rhythm disorders
Official title: Serotonin N-Acetyl-Transferase Inhibitors for Circadian Rhythm Disorders
Funded at University of Nebraska Kearney · NIH-10522741 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with our body’s natural clock can impact mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and seasonal affective disorder, and it aims to find new ways to help by targeting a specific enzyme involved in melatonin production.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Kearney NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kearney, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $394,781 |
| NIH project number | 1R15HL165700-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10522741 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or seasonal affective disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with circadian rhythm disorders not related to mood disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how circadian rhythm dysregulation affects mental health disorders like bipolar disorder and seasonal affective disorder. It aims to identify new inhibitors of the enzyme serotonin-N-acetyltransferase (SNAT), which plays a crucial role in melatonin synthesis. By using advanced virtual screening techniques, the researchers will look for compounds that can effectively inhibit SNAT, potentially leading to new treatments for mood disorders. The study will also explore the structure of SNAT to improve the effectiveness of these inhibitors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic options for patients suffering from mood disorders linked to circadian rhythm disruptions.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting SNAT for mood disorders is innovative, previous studies have shown promise in related areas, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Kearney
Kearney, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomas, Allen — University of Nebraska Kearney
- Study coordinator: Thomas, Allen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Circadian control of brain blood vessels in Alzheimer’s disease
A researcher at Emory is studying how daily biological rhythms influence the brain’s blood vessels to improve brain drug delivery in Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Understanding the biology behind Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD) and new treatment ideas
This NIH grant aims to understand why some people, including teens and adults, have DSWPD and how to develop better circadian-based treatments to improve sleep and daily functioning.
-
Sleep, circadian rhythms, and the brain’s reward system in teens
A study in teens aims to understand how sleep patterns and daily rhythms influence risk-taking and substance use by looking at brain circuits involved in reward and control.
-
Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder: Understanding Why Some People Sleep Late
A study at Northwestern University is exploring why some people with delayed sleep patterns have different light sensitivity and how this affects their sleep timing, with the goal of personalizing treatment for those with DSWPD.
-
Sleep and circadian factors linked to opioid treatment outcomes
A long-term study at Johns Hopkins will follow people on buprenorphine or methadone to see how sleep quality and daily rhythms relate to ongoing opioid use.
-
Exercise timing to reset the brain’s body clock in breast cancer care
A study tests whether exercising at specific times can reset the brain’s circadian clock and potentially improve well-being for people coping with breast cancer.
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.