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We are focused on studying genetic disorders of brain, nerve & muscle. Through better understanding of neurological disorders will come better diagnoses and treatments. |
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ying-hui fu's & louis ptáček's |
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laboratories of neurogenetics | ||
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advanced sleep phase syndrome of aging Advanced Sleep Phase of Aging is a profound problem for the elderly population. In fact, one third of the population over 65 years of age experience a change in their sleep cycle when they fall asleep at earlier and earlier times and then wake up early in the morning. The cause of this condition is not known but it appears in association with the normal aging process. We hypothesize that age-related changes in gene expression (rather than gene mutations) are one possible cause of the shortened sleep time for the elderly. Our Research We're currently testing the hypothesis that transcriptional repression of a
gene (hPer2) as a stochastic process with aging causes the phenotype of
earlier sleep wake times in humans.
Our Laboratories Sometimes, symptoms caused by other medical conditions can mimic the effect of genetic mutations. In such cases, diagnosis and treatment of the condition is most effectively provided through traditional medical channels. Academic research laboratories such as ours do not usually provide these services; rather we are focused on genetic discoveries we hope will lead to defining these future diagnostic and treatment pathways. Study Status We are currently studying the genetic mutations associated with this condition and are not collecting additional samples at this time. However, research directions change with every new discovery. If you would like to be considered for future research studies in ASPS of Aging, please contact the Clinical Coordinator listed below. What Does Study Participation Involve? 1. As an initial screening process, you will be asked to fill out four questionnaires. These questionnaires are used to help researchers assess your sleep patterns and account for factors affecting the quality of your sleep. 2. If your sleep patterns appear to match the sleep patterns currently under study, you may be asked to fill out additional questionnaires, submit additional information including medical records and/or test results and, in some cases, to come to the University of California, San Francisco for additional studies. These additional studies include some interviews and tests that measure factors associated with sleep quality such as thinking, memory, and mood. These tests consist primarily of answering standardized questions, drawing, and writing. 3. An interview with a sleep doctor will then be done in person or over the phone. The interview consists of questions about your sleep schedule and factors affecting it. 4. You will be asked to donate a blood sample (approximately 2-3 tablespoons) which we will use to isolate the DNA that we study. Contact Kristin Wong, Clinical Coordinator University of California San Francisco Department of Neurology, MC 2922 1550 Fourth St., Room 546 San Francisco, CA 94158-2324 USA Tel: +1.415.502.3976 Fax: +1.415.502.5641 Email: kristin.wong2@ucsf.edu |
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Quick Links: For more information, please visit the following sites: National Center on Sleep Disorders Research |
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circadian rhythm & sleep | episodic diseases | neurodegeneration |
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UCSF - Department of Neurology,
MC 2922 1550 Fourth St., Room 548 San Francisco, CA 94158-2324 USA tel: +1.415.502.5614 fax: +1.415.502.5641 |
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If you experience any difficulties with this site, please email our web developer. The University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, +1.415.476.9000 Copyright © 2004-2006 The Regents of the University of California. All Rights Reserved. |
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