Circadian Disorders Research

Shelley Tischkau, PhD, is a broadly trained neuroendocrinologist, with specific expertise in the design and conduct of studies that examine the function of the circadian timing system at the molecular, physiological and behavioral levels. Her lab has focused on understanding systemic control of circadian rhythms, with particular emphasis on regulation of the master clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, its relationship to environmental signals and mechanisms by which circadian timing is conveyed throughout organisms. An understanding of how light affects the master clock allowed the development of environmental paradigms that mimic clock disturbances in real-life scenarios to disrupt the systemic circadian timing system. Circadian clock disruptions are now associated with disease states ranging from metabolic syndrome and cancer to mental health and neurodegenerative disease. Currently, the Tischkau lab focuses on the contributions of the circadian clock to metabolic and brain health. Two major projects are ongoing.

Dr. Tischkau's lab focuses on the molecular interactions of the circadian clock in disease states. Two major projects are ongoing. The first investigates molecular mechanisms underlying endogenous resistance to excitotoxicity in clock neurons. The second explores the interface of the clock with metabolism, specifically with reference to the development of metabolic syndrome after exposure to environmental toxins.