Mechanism Underlying Temperature Regulation of the Drosophila Circadian Clock

9728695 Edery Project Description (Mechanism underlying temperature regulation of the Drosophila circadian clock). A wide range of organisms, from bacteria to humans, display daily rhythms in physiological and behavioral phenomena. These rhythms are controlled by a biological time keeping device termed the circadian (~24 hours) 'clock'. Malfunctions in this timing mechanism are associated with numerous disorders in humans, including manic-depression, seasonal affective disorders (SAD), and chronic sleep problems in the elderly. In addition, modern ailments such as increased rates of accidents during rotating work shift schedules and symptoms associated with 'jet-lag' are manifestations of the strong influence that circadian clocks have on human physiology and performance. Moreover, it is well documented that the efficacy of many drugs, including those used for chemotherapy, is highly dependent on the time of drug delivery. A major goal in the study of daily rhythms is to try and understand how circadian clocks function. To this end we are using the powerful genetics available in the fruitfly as a model animal system to study the mechanism underlying circadian rhythms. Interestingly, recent findings demonstrate that the circadian clocks in fruit flies and humans are very similar. Funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) will be used to identify the individual components that are required for the assembly of a functional biological time keeping device. A main objective for the funding from NSF is to support graduate and undergraduate students who will participate in the development and execution of the research goals. As a result young scientists will be trained in the latest techniques in biotechnology, biochemistry and genetics. Furthermore, these students will be exposed to a wide spectrum of scientific disciplines in the life sciences, inc luding neurobiology and behavior. By participating in NSF funded research at Rutgers University students will also have the opportunity to attend seminars and interact with other students and faculty. Finally, it is anticipated that findings from the research supported by NSF will be published in peer-reviewed science journals and as such will contribute to a better appreciation in the general public of the important role that circadian rhythms have on human physiology and behavior.