Understanding how our bodies keep daily and seasonal time

Protein degradation mechanisms that regulate daily and seasonal timing

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-11123315

This research explores how proteins help our bodies keep track of daily and seasonal changes, which is important for our overall health.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-11123315 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our bodies have an internal clock that helps us adjust to daily and seasonal changes in the environment. This internal clock is crucial for many biological processes, and when it doesn't work correctly, it can affect our well-being. This project looks at how certain proteins are broken down and recycled, a process that helps regulate our internal clock and how we respond to different seasons. By understanding these fundamental mechanisms, we hope to learn more about how our bodies maintain their natural rhythms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future studies building on this work may seek individuals with conditions related to circadian rhythm dysfunction or affective disorders.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide a deeper understanding of the biological clock's role in conditions like affective disorders, potentially leading to new ways to support healthy daily and seasonal timing.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific protein degradation mechanisms are still being uncovered, other studies have shown the critical role of the circadian clock in health, suggesting this approach is promising for fundamental understanding.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Affective Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.