Grant: Operating Grant

In all mammals including humans, a "circadian clock" in the brain drives daily rhythms in sleep and wakefulness, feeding and metabolism, and many other essential processes. The inner workings of this brain clock are complex, and the molecular processes behind it have eluded scientists. In this proposal, we aim to study how clock protein production is controlled in the brain through the molecule eIF4E. We will focus on the process of eIF4E phosphorylation (addition of a phosphate group to eIF4E) and study the functions of this process in the circadian clock timing and resetting process. The proposed study will utilize a variety of molecular, genetic, pharmacological and behavioral approaches with both in vitro and in vivo models. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of biological clocks may contribute to the development of time-managing drugs. Our findings may help shed light on future treatments for disorders triggered by circadian clock dysfunction, including jet lag, shift work disorders, and chronic conditions like autism, depression and Parkinson's disease.