Understanding how brain cells communicate to regulate sleep and activity patterns
Official title: Glia-Neuron Communication Regulating Rhythmic Behaviors
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-11046573 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called astrocytes talk to neurons to help us understand sleep and our body clocks, using fruit flies to find out which types of astrocytes are involved, and the results could help us learn more about sleep problems in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $404,836 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS136668-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046573 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience sleep disturbances or are interested in understanding the biological mechanisms behind sleep regulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with sleep disorders caused by external factors unrelated to biological mechanisms, such as environmental disturbances, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the communication between astrocytes, a type of brain cell, and neurons to understand how they influence sleep and circadian rhythms. By using advanced genetic techniques in fruit flies, the study aims to identify specific astrocyte subpopulations that play a role in modulating these behaviors. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms of sleep regulation and how disruptions in this communication may affect sleep patterns in humans. The research will involve both laboratory experiments and analysis of the resulting data to draw conclusions about these interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating sleep disorders and improving overall sleep quality in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding astrocyte-neuron communication in model organisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights in mammals as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jackson, F Rob — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Jackson, F Rob
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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.