The biological rhythms groups apply genetic and behavioral approaches to elucidating the molecular mechanisms of sleep and circadian rhythms. Sleep deprivation is now known to be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of diabetes and other endocrine disorders. Northwestern is a major center for the study of this essential physiological system.

FACULTY:

   • Ravi Allada
   Circadian rhythms in drosophila

   • Lawrence Pinto
   Structure-function relationships of ion channels; genetic neurobiology

   • Joseph S. Takahashi
   Molecular neurobiology and genetics of circadian clocks

   • Fred Turek
   Circadian and seasonal rhythms in animals

   • Phyllis Zee
   Age-related changes of the circadian system and sleep;
   genetics of sleep and circadian rhythm disorders