SLEEP AND CIRCADIAN GENETICS

这个子项目是众多研究子项目之一

This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. In recent years great progress has been made in uncovering the molecular basis for the generation of circadian rhythms in mammals. Molecular studies in rodents have stimulated a search for genetic differences that could underlie altered circadian rhythms and/or sleep disorders in humans. Two of the most common sleep disorders in humans that are thought to be due to alterations in circadian timing are classified as the Delayed Sleep Phase (DSP) and Advanced Sleep Phase (ASP). DSP is characterized by a persistent inability to initiate sleep before 2 to 6 AM and difficulty waking up until 10 AM to 1 PM, whereas, ASP is characterized by habitual and involuntary sleep and wake times that are at least several hours earlier than societal means. Studies on the genetic basis of DSP and ASP represent a new and exciting avenue to elucidate how the sleep-wake and circadian systems are integrated with each other, and how alterations in specific circadian clock genes can lead to alterations in the timing of sleep and wake. The aim of this study is to determine the molecular genetic basis for DSP and ASP. Subjects will have already participated in IRB study 533-036, a screening study to confirm DSP, ASP or control status. A blood sample (less than 4 tablespoons) will be drawn for future analysis of genes.