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Clifford B. Saper, M.D.,Ph.D.

Title
Institution
Department
Address
Phone
Profile Picture

Biography
education and training
University of Illinois, Urbana, ILBS, MS07/1972Biochemistry, Neurobiology
Washington University, St. LouisMD, PhD07/1977Medicine, Neurobiology
Cornell University Medical Center, New York, NY06/1981Neurology residency
awards and honors
1988 - 1995
Jacob Javits Award
1983 - 1986
McKnight Scholar Award
2001
Fellow
2003
Fellow
2004
Fello
2005
Ariens Kappers Award
2008
Member
2009
Member
2014
Distinguished Scientist Award
2018
Adrian Award

Overview
overview
The Saper Laboratory studies the brain circuitry that subserves basic functions such as regulation of wake-sleep, body temperature, response to stress, and feeding and metabolism. We are interested in homeostatic as well as circadian control circuitry, as well as interactions with cognitive systems. We use a wide range of system neuroscience methods, from electrophysiological and optical recording, to tracing synaptic connections, and we employ genetically targeted methods that allow us selectively to activate or inactivate circuitry via opto- and chemogenetics, and to measure physiological and behavioral responses.

Mentoring
current student opportunities
Available: 09/24/21, Expires: 06/30/25

We use optogenetic and chemogenetic activation of genetically specified cell groups in the brain to test their role in regulating sleep and wakefulness. The student would assist with (and learn to perform) the experiments, and to do the subsequent immunohistochemistry. This project is best suited for students who can dedicate 1+ year of part time work to this research.


Research
research activities and funding
The research activities and funding listed below are automatically derived from NIH ExPORTER and other sources, which might result in incorrect or missing items. Faculty can login to make corrections and additions.
Most Recent  |  List All
  1. R01AG082016 (SAPER, CLIFFORD B) Dec 1, 2023 - Nov 30, 2028
    NIH
    Wake-sleep Circuitry in Neurodegenerative Dementias
    Role: Principal Investigator
  2. P01HL149630 (SAPER, CLIFFORD B) Jul 1, 2020 - Jun 30, 2025
    NIH
    Mechanisms of sleep and sleep apnea
    Role: Principal Investigator
  3. R01NS085477 (SAPER, CLIFFORD B) Jul 1, 2014 - Apr 30, 2020
    NIH
    Hypothalamic arousal systems
    Role: Principal Investigator
  4. R01NS072337 (SAPER, CLIFFORD B) Sep 1, 2010 - Mar 31, 2025
    NIH
    Circuitry for Circadian Rhythms
    Role: Principal Investigator
  5. R25NS070682 (PODURI, ANNAPURNA) Jul 1, 2010 - Jun 30, 2025
    NIH
    CH/BIDMC/Harvard Medical School Neurology Resident Research Education Program
    Role: Co-Principal Investigator

Bibliographic
selected publications
Publications listed below are automatically derived from MEDLINE/PubMed and other sources, which might result in incorrect or missing publications. Faculty can login to make corrections and additions.
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© 2024 President and Fellows of Harvard College
Funded by the NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences through its Clinical and Translational Science Awards Program, grant number UL1TR002541.