# Neurocircuits that regulate circadian rhythms

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · 2022 · $489,644

## Abstract

Project Summary
While the systems that regulate circadian rhythms and energy homeostasis are tightly coupled together, the
pathways which connect them together are not well understood. Our recent findings have identified a novel,
physiological role for a subset of neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) that express the leptin
receptor in the circadian control of feeding, locomotor activity and associated metabolic rhythms. The
overarching goal of this proposal is to identify the neurocircuitry linking circadian rhythms to control of DMH
leptin receptor (LepR) neurons and associated feeding and metabolic responses. Proposed aims seek to 1)
characterize the rhythmicity of DMH LepR neuronal activity; 2) identify the contribution made by specific
subsets of these neurons in the circadian control of feeding behavior, metabolism and locomotion, and 3) to
identify upstream regulators of DMH LepR neurons that regulate circadian control of feeding and metabolism.
To accomplish this, we will integrate advanced neuroscience techniques including in vivo fiber photometry,
viral track tracing and chemogenetic techniques, along with an intersectional genetics approach and
comprehensive rodent metabolic phenotyping. Together, this work will fundamentally advance our knowledge
of the neural circuits underlying endogenous rhythms of behavior, feeding, and metabolism and can be
expected to facilitate the development of new strategies for the treatment and prevention of obesity and related
disorders in humans.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10445207
- **Project number:** 2R01DK089056-11A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- **Principal Investigator:** GREGORY J MORTON
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $489,644
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2011-04-01 → 2025-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10445207

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10445207, Neurocircuits that regulate circadian rhythms (2R01DK089056-11A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10445207. Licensed CC0.

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