Descripción del proyecto
Efectos de las luces nocturnas sobre los ritmos circadianos
Los ritmos circadianos dictan el patrón de nuestros días y noches. Se trata del reloj interno del organismo que regula nuestro ciclo de sueño-vigilia durante un período de veinticuatro horas. La invención de la bombilla eléctrica y la exposición nocturna a la luz tiene su lado oscuro, dado que puede alterar nuestro reloj biológico. El proyecto financiado con fondos europeos DiurnalHealth investigará los mecanismos que controlan el núcleo supraquiasmático (NSQ) —el reloj central de los mamíferos— en los humanos y otras especies diurnas (activas durante el día). El proyecto evaluará la hipótesis de que los mecanismos son diferentes entre las especies diurnas y nocturnas. Identificará las similitudes y diferencias en cuanto a la respuesta a la luz, la sincronización neuronal, el rendimiento y la respuesta a la actividad física.
Objetivo
Due to a significant increase in the use of artificial light in our 24h economy, the biological clocks of all living organisms, including humans, are severely disrupted. Many severe health disorders are consequences of clock disruption such as diabetes, sleep/mood disorders, cardiovascular disease, and immune dysfunction. The central timekeeper in mammals is the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), and the mechanisms by which light disrupts integrity of the SCN has been well investigated in nocturnal species. In contrast, mechanisms of clock disruption in humans and other diurnal (day-active) species remain poorly defined. I have evidence that the mechanisms that drive SCN function are fundamentally different between nocturnal species and diurnal species. This defines my aim to restore proper clock function in diurnal species, including humans. To test this, in Objective 1 we will identify similarities and differences between nocturnal and diurnal clocks with respect to their i) response to light, ii) neuronal synchronization, iii) output, and iv) response to physical activity. Based on these findings, in Objective 2 we will develop novel strategies to manipulate and restore clock function in diurnal species. These objectives will be achieved using novel, state-of-the-art chronobiology methods including in vivo electrophysiology and Ca2+ and bioluminescence reporters—all in freely behaving day-active animals, as well as in slice preparations containing the SCN. For studies on the human SCN we record with 7-Tesla fMRI. This proposal will help establish a new basis for chronobiology with respect to the most suitable models for studying translational applications. The results will yield immediate benefits in terms of manipulating biological clock function among vulnerable populations in modern society, particularly the elderly, patients in intensive care, and shift workers.
Ámbito científico
Palabras clave
Programa(s)
Régimen de financiación
ERC-ADG - Advanced GrantInstitución de acogida
2333 ZA Leiden
Países Bajos