Understanding how our body clocks work, from simple life forms to people
Structures and mechanisms of circadian rhythms from cyanobacteria to humans
This work helps us understand the basic steps that control our body's natural 24-hour rhythms and how they respond to light and other signals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11077321 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have internal clocks that help us stay in sync with the 24-hour day-night cycle, influencing our sleep, energy, and many other functions. While we know these clocks are genetic, we don't fully understand the tiny molecular steps that make them tick for about 24 hours and how they adjust to outside cues like light. This project uses advanced techniques to look closely at the structures of clock proteins and how they interact. By comparing these processes in different organisms, including humans, we hope to uncover the fundamental rules that govern our biological timing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation, but future studies building on this knowledge could benefit individuals with sleep disturbances, shift work disorder, or other conditions related to circadian rhythm disruption.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments or direct participation in a clinical trial would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of circadian rhythms, which might eventually help develop new ways to address sleep disorders, metabolic issues, and other health problems linked to disrupted body clocks.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team and others has shown success in identifying how different clock proteins assemble and how their activities affect timing, highlighting common principles across diverse life forms.
Where this research is happening
Santa Cruz, United States
- University of California Santa Cruz — Santa Cruz, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Partch, Carrie L — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Partch, Carrie L
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.