Understanding how light affects daily rhythms in hamsters
Official title: Circadian timekeeping in hamster mutants
Funded at Marquette University · NIH-10790160 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how light affects the daily body clocks of Syrian hamsters, which can help us understand how changes in these rhythms might lead to health problems, and the findings could be useful for improving human health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marquette University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $424,703 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS135308-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10790160 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals experiencing sleep disorders or other health issues related to circadian rhythm disruptions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any circadian rhythm disorders or related health issues may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to light influences daily biological rhythms in Syrian hamsters, which are known to have a unique response to light and melatonin. By studying specific genetic mutations in these hamsters, the researchers aim to uncover how disruptions in circadian rhythms can lead to various health issues. The approach involves using advanced techniques to monitor and analyze the hamsters' circadian timekeeping at both the central and systems levels. This research could provide insights that are more applicable to human health compared to traditional mouse models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of how circadian disruptions contribute to health problems, potentially informing new treatments for sleep disorders and other related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using animal models to study circadian rhythms, but this specific approach using Syrian hamsters is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Marquette University
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Evans, Jennifer Anne — Marquette University
- Study coordinator: Evans, Jennifer Anne
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
NOX4 links to ARDS risk and progression
Aims to understand how NOX4-driven cell damage may make some adults with ARDS worse off and how this could lead to earlier, targeted care.
-
Advancing 3D Foot Imaging in Kids with Flat Feet
A pediatric-focused project uses weightbearing 3D ankle imaging to better understand flatfeet and related foot deformities.
-
Diaphragm nerve signals as a new path to better breathing after spinal cord injury
A researcher at Marquette University is testing whether activating the nerve signals from the diaphragm can improve breathing after a cervical spinal cord injury.
-
RNA-Protein Interactions in Genome Regulation and Aging
A study at Marquette University will look at how RNA structures and RNA-binding proteins interact with LSD1 to influence genome stability, aging, cancer spread, and neural development.
-
High-intensity, dynamic-balance treadmill training for people with MS
A multicenter trial tests a strong treadmill walking program combined with balance challenges to help people with MS walk faster and more steadily.
-
Early brain changes linked to menopause and Alzheimer's in a rat model
A study in aging rats explores how loss of ovarian hormones around perimenopause might speed up brain changes and memory problems related to Alzheimer’s disease.
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.