Circadian rhythms and chronotherapy in multiple sclerosis (B01)

• Subject Area: Immunology ; Nutritional Sciences ; Clinical Neurology; Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 541063275

Neuroimmunologist Friedemann Paul, chrono-nutritionist Olga Ramich and the retina expert Frederike Oertel will investigate the role of circadian rhythm disruption in the activity and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), which is associated with various circadian rhythm alterations of immunological and metabolic parameters that could be exacerbated by damaged retinal input due to degeneration of neurons important for clock entrainment. Circadian rhythm disruption in MS patients will be characterized at molecular, cellular immune and metabolic levels and associated with changes in energy expenditure, activity, sleep, as well as with respect to retinal degeneration. A personalized time-restricted eating regimen will be used as an intervention to strengthen the circadian system and counteract disease progression.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 418: Foundations of Circadian Medicine
• Applicant Institution: shared FU Berlin and HU Berlin through:; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Project Heads: Professorin Frederike Cosima Oertel; Professor Dr. Friedemann Paul; Professorin Dr. Olga Ramich