Understanding how a brain signaling pathway affects the body's internal clock
Official title: Mammalian target of rapamycin signaling and the suprachiamatic circadian clock
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10878903 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how a specific pathway in the brain helps control our body's internal clock, which affects our sleep and daily rhythms, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding how our bodies stay in sync with day and night.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $357,882 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS118026-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10878903 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing circadian rhythm disruptions, such as those with sleep disorders or mood disorders linked to circadian dysregulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable circadian rhythms or those not experiencing any sleep-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in regulating the circadian clock located in the brain's suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). By manipulating specific components of the mTOR pathway through genetic and pharmacological methods, the study aims to uncover how these signals influence gene expression and protein synthesis that synchronize the body's internal clock with external environmental cues. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, assessing molecular, cellular, and behavioral aspects of circadian function in animal models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for circadian rhythm disorders, improving sleep quality and overall health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the mTOR pathway's role in various biological processes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into circadian regulation.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cao, Ruifeng (Ray) — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Cao, Ruifeng (Ray)
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Methylation and metabolism signals linked to lung function in kids with asthma
This grant looks at how genes, environment, and small chemical changes in the body together affect how lung function changes over time in children with asthma.
-
FEND-TB: Faster, better TB tests for all ages
A multi-institutional project aims to develop and validate faster TB diagnostic tools and drug-susceptibility tests so people of all ages, including children and those with extrapulmonary TB, can get quicker and more accurate results.
-
FEND-TB: Accelerating TB Diagnostics and Drug Susceptibility Testing
A multi‑institution collaboration will test new TB diagnostic tools and rapid drug-susceptibility tests to improve detection and treatment for people of all ages, including children and those with hard-to-diagnose TB.
-
Game-based mobile app to help pregnant women with overweight/obesity manage weight in Nepal
A new app designed for pregnant women in Nepal with overweight or obesity to help manage weight gain during pregnancy and reduce weight retention after birth.
-
Environmental factors and Lewy body dementia: linking claims data with lab work
Aims to find environmental factors that influence Lewy body dementia by combining big health data with lab studies, to understand what might worsen the condition and who is most at risk.
-
Identifying how ableism affects pregnancy and postpartum care for women with intellectual and developmental disabilities on Medicaid
This grant studies how bias and barriers in the healthcare system affect pregnancy and postpartum outcomes for women with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are on Medicaid and their babies.
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.