Epigenetics of circadian rhythms
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Interdisciplinary Bioscience DTP
Abstract
Genetic, as well as environmental factors are key factors responsible for the modulation of circadian rhythms. Any disruption to either of these factors can lead to sleep and circadian rhythm disorders as well as associated pathologies. Although intense efforts have been directed towards understanding the genetic bases of the circadian rhythm phenotype, little is known about the pivotal role played by the environmental factors. Food intake, activity and age, although known to entrain the circadian genes' expression, are elusive factors with regards to their mechanism of action. Epigenetics is thought to be fundamental in the biology of circadian rhythms and it is hypothesized to be one of the key mediators linking circadian rhythms to external factors, such as light, temperature, stress, drugs, hormones, food, and age. Moreover, the interaction between circadian rhythms and metabolic physiology has shown to display an intricate epigenetic mechanism of action, all mechanisms worth shedding light upon.
BBSRC priority areas:
Healthy Ageing
In vivo techniques (strategic skills)
WUB, ENWW
BBSRC priority areas:
Healthy Ageing
In vivo techniques (strategic skills)
WUB, ENWW
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M011224/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
| 1757828 | Studentship | BB/M011224/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2020 |
| Description | My research looks at the methods through which the environmental inputs can influence our circadian clocks. External factors such as diet and stressors are shown to disrupt the inner workings of our biological clock and vice-versa. Towards this, we have generated evidence this may occur via a specific epigenetic mechanism. Further, my work tries to understand the interlink between these two processes and the mechanism of action through which they work. We showed how a plethora of drugs that act at an epigenetic level, impacts parameters of the molecular clock, in cells, and in turn affect clock-related physiology (eg. metabolism in adipocytes). We have further identified a transcription factor that could be at the forefront of the interrelation between metabolism and circadian rhythms. We are now exploring the consequence of modulating this target, both at a circadian and metabolic levels, using animal models. |
| Exploitation Route | The class of drugs and targets I have studied could be form the substrate for future therapies targeting circadian rhythms and associated metabolic disorders, eg. T2D and obesity |
| Sectors | Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |