# Mechanistic studies of sickness sleep

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · 2021 · $406,250

## Abstract

Project Summary
In the nematode C. elegans as in other animals, sickness is associated with reduced movement, reduced
feeding, and increased sleep. Sickness behavior in worms is induced by environmental stressors including
heat shock, ultraviolet light, and infection. This behavioral program during sickness is regulated by worm
central neurons that are activated by the cytokine epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGF causes reduced activity
in worms, flies, fish, and mice, but the mechanisms of EGF activation itself during sickness are not clear. We
will use C. elegans to study the mechanism of EGF regulation during sickness. In Aim 1, we will determine
where (from which cells) and when EGF is released to promote sickness behavior. To identify other regulators
of EGF activation, in Aim 2, we will perform genome-wide discovery screens for genes required for sickness
behavior. In Aim 3, we will test the hypothesis that sickness behavior supports survival during sickness. A long-
term goal of these studies is to identify candidate signaling molecules for developing diagnostics and
treatments of sleepiness during sickness and to understand the importance of sleep in promoting recovery
from illness.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10274876
- **Project number:** 1R01NS122779-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- **Principal Investigator:** David Menassah Raizen
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $406,250
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-08-15 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10274876

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10274876, Mechanistic studies of sickness sleep (1R01NS122779-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10274876. Licensed CC0.

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