Understanding daily body clock signals in animals
Circadian output mechanisms in nocturnal and diurnal animals
This research aims to uncover how the body's internal clock, or circadian rhythm, controls daily behaviors in animals, which could help us understand human conditions like mood disorders and heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146463 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies and many animals have an internal clock that helps us adjust to the daily cycle of light and dark, influencing behaviors like sleeping and eating. A special part of the brain, called the SCN, acts as the main timekeeper, sending signals throughout the body. We want to learn how these SCN signals communicate with other brain cells to create different daily behaviors. By studying how these signals work in animals, we hope to better understand how our own body clocks affect our health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational animal research is relevant for individuals living with or at risk for affective disorders or cardiovascular diseases, as it explores the basic mechanisms that might contribute to these conditions.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate direct treatment or clinical trial participation would not directly benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to address health issues in people that are linked to disrupted body clocks, such as certain mood disorders and heart conditions.
How similar studies have performed: While the general concept of circadian rhythms is well-established, this specific work aims to uncover new details about how the SCN communicates with other brain areas to generate diverse behaviors, building on existing knowledge but exploring novel mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
College Station, United States
- Texas A&m University — College Station, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Jeffrey R — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Jones, Jeffrey R
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.