Understanding the brain's circadian clock and its components
Official title: BMAL1 Circadian Clock Complexes from Mammalian Brain
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11056939 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a specific protein in the brain helps control our daily body rhythms, which could help us understand how problems with these rhythms might affect conditions like bipolar disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $466,125 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS136974-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056939 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include individuals with mood disorders, particularly those experiencing bipolar disorder or other affective disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any mood disorders or those not affected by circadian rhythm disruptions may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms of the circadian clock in the mammalian brain, focusing on the role of the BMAL1 transcription factor. By purifying and studying BMAL1 complexes from brain tissue, the research aims to uncover how these complexes regulate daily biological rhythms. The approach involves biochemical and structural analyses to understand the interactions and functions of BMAL1 in maintaining circadian rhythms. Patients may benefit from insights into how disruptions in these rhythms could affect conditions like bipolar disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for mood disorders by targeting circadian rhythm disruptions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding circadian rhythms and their impact on mood disorders, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weitz, Charles J — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Weitz, Charles J
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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.