Markers that show how your body's internal clocks work
Biomarkers for Peripheral Circadian Clocks in Humans
This project will test whether timing cues and simple blood and tissue markers can reveal and help realign internal body clocks in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181315 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Over seven weeks, volunteers follow different timing schedules in a randomized crossover trial to learn how time cues like meal and activity timing affect body clocks in tissues beyond the brain. Researchers will take blood samples, measure body temperature, and collect small tissue samples at several visits to look for markers that track these peripheral clocks. Each person will experience more than one timing condition so the team can compare how the same person responds to different cues. The aim is to find easy-to-measure signals that show when tissue clocks are in sync or out of sync with daily life.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who can attend repeated in-person visits, follow strict sleep and meal timing instructions, and provide blood and small tissue samples are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who cannot follow controlled schedules, cannot travel to the study site, or have severe medical conditions may not benefit from or be eligible for this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to tests and timing-based treatments that help align body clocks to improve sleep, metabolism, and overall health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work shows that light and timing can shift central sleep-wake rhythms, but using blood and tissue biomarkers to measure peripheral clocks in people is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Boulder, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado — Boulder, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wright, Kenneth P — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Wright, Kenneth P
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.