CENTER PARTICIPANTS
email
phone: 312-908-8549
fax: 312-908-5073
Phyllis Zee, M.D.
- Associate Director, Center for Sleep & Circadian Biology
- Professor, Northwestern University Institute for Neuroscience
Research Interests
We are interested in how aging alters the circadian clock system of mammals and its relationship to circadian rhythm and sleep disorders in humans. Our laboratory performs basic research with animals, as well as clinical research with humans.
Our basic science studies involve examination of the neurochemical events which underlie aging of the circadian clock. A variety of pharmacological approaches are used to restore the responsiveness of the circadian system to light.
In the clinical setting, we are quantifying exposure to synchronizing agents for the circadian clock in residents of assisted living facilities and to determine whether exposure to scheduled bright light and structured activity cycles will correct some of the age-related changes of the human circadian system and result in the improvement of performance, mood, daytime alertness, and sleep.
On the genetics research, we have identified several families with circadian rhythm disorders and restless legs syndrome. We are in the process of characterizing the phenotype of these patients and collecting DNA samples for genetic analysis.
It is hoped that the combined basic science and clinical approach will lead to important information which can be used to improve nocturnal sleep, daytime performance, and overall quality of life in older adults.
Selected References:
- Naylor E, Bergmann BM, Krauski K, Zee PC, Takahashi
JS, Vitaterna MH, Turek FW. (2000) The circadian clock mutation alters sleep
homeostasis in the mouse. J Neurosci. 1;20(21):8138-43.
- Naylor E, Penev PD, Orbeta L, Janssen I, Ortiz R, Colecchia
EF, Keng M, Finkel S, Zee PC. (2000) Daily social and physical activity
increases slow-wave sleep and daytime neuropsychological performance in
the elderly. Sleep. 1;23(1):87-95.
- Benloucif S, Bauer GL, Dubocovich ML, Finkel SI, Zee
PC. (1999) Nimodipine potentiates the light-induced suppression of melatonin.
Neurosci Lett. 3;272(1):67-71.
- Zhang Y, Brainard GC, Zee PC, Pinto LH, Takahashi JS, Turek FW. (1998) Effects of aging on lens transmittance and retinal input to the suprachiasmatic nucleus in golden hamsters. Neurosci Lett. 24;258(3):167-70.
- Penev PD, Kolker DE, Zee PC, Turek FW. (1998) Chronic circadian desynchronization decreases the survival of animals with cardiomyopathic heart disease. Am J Physiol. 275(6 Pt 2):H2334-7.
- Naylor E, Buxton OM, Bergmann BM, Easton A, Zee PC, Turek FW. (1998) Effects of aging on sleep in the golden hamster. Sleep. 1;21(7):687-93.
- Labyak SE, Turek FW, Wallen EP, Zee PC. (1998) Effects
of bright light on age-related changes in the locomotor activity of Syrian
hamsters. Am J Physiol. 274(3 Pt 2):R830-9.
