CRC/Transregio TRR 134, Project B01: Circadian clocks and hedonic appetite regulation

This project analyses the mechanisms of circadian regulation of homeostatic and reward systems in the context of appetite regulation. We hypothesize that mesolimbic and hypothalamic circadian clocks coordinate hedonic and homeostatic control aspects of appetite regulation and food uptake, respectively. Using genetic and pharmacologic manipulations in mice and human studies, we will analyse the interplay between local clock control at the level of central appetite circuits and systemic circadian endocrine signals such as glucocorticoids and metabolic peptides.