Understanding how sleep loss affects gene expression in the brain
Official title: A genomic characterization of the response to sleep loss
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10928421 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how not getting enough sleep affects the way certain genes work in the brain, especially in areas that help with thinking and mood, to better understand how sleep loss might impact mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $410,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R56NS133438-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928421 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing sleep deprivation or related mental health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable sleep patterns and no mental health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how sleep deprivation influences gene expression in the brain, particularly focusing on the frontal cortex. By analyzing the differential expression of genes in response to sleep loss, the study aims to uncover the cellular mechanisms that mediate sleep's effects on mental health. The research utilizes advanced genomic techniques to identify specific genes and pathways that are altered when sleep is restricted. This could provide insights into how sleep impacts brain function and mental disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving mental health by targeting the biological effects of sleep loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between sleep and gene expression, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greene, Robert W — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Greene, Robert W
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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.