UCLA Paul Lab
Advancing research in biomarkers for sleep homeostasis and circadian rhythms
Our lab investigates the genetic, molecular, and neural mechanisms underlying sleep regulation, with a focus on sex differences and therapeutic development for sleep disorders.
Research Projects
Learn more about our current areas of study
Phenotypic Sex and Sleep Behavior
Investigated by: Micah Ralston, Khushi Choudhary
The Four Core Genotype (FCG) mouse model enables investigation of sex differences in sleep via a mouse model in which phenotype is independent of genotype. The FCG experimental approach seeks to determine the ability of sex-linked genes to influence sleep independently of phenotypic sex.
Sleep Loss and Social Defeat Stress in Female Mice
Investigated by: Asha Fletcher, Ella Cooper
This study aims to elucidate the intersection of sleep, stress, and social behavior in neuropsychiatric research. We investigate resilient versus susceptible sleep phenotypes exhibited by female mice after sleep deprivation.
Homeostatic Sleep Responses to Stress
Investigated by: Mackenna Kahan, Erin Lee
We are investigating the influence of stress on mechanisms of sleep homeostasis. This study uses the FCG mouse model, behavioral and genetic assays to test the hypothesis that females are more susceptible to sleep disorders and stress-related comorbidities.
Sleep Phenotypes in Myotonic Dystrophy
Investigated by: Christian Capuno
We will be using the Mbnl2 mouse model of Myotonic Dystrophy Type I (DM1) to characterize the bidirectional relationship an inactivation of the Muscleblind-like protein has with sleep phenotypes following sleep disruptions.
Slow Oscillations Project
Investigated by: Kylan Jin, Emily Lee
The slow oscillation (SO) project is an approach to extract SO information from measurable delta wave (DW) data. This work expands the types of analyses performed on EEG files, leveraging existing data to provide insights into memory, plasticity, and restorative processes during sleep.
Phenome Project
Investigated by: Paul Lab
Using the BxD recombinant inbred mouse strain to study sleep phenotypes, we are able to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) fundamental to understanding the genetic diversity underlying sleep disorders.
Collaborations
UCLA Collaborators
- • Colwell Lab
- • Golshani Lab
- • Gina Poe Lab
- • Clinical Neurogenomics Research Center
- • Cristina Ghiani Lab
- • Arnold Lab
- • Koehler Lab
External Collaborators
- • Christopher Ehlen Lab - Morehouse School of Medicine
- • Lamia Lab - Scripps Research Institute
Featured Research
Watch Dr. Ketema Paul discuss groundbreaking sleep research and neuroscience discoveries
Sleep Research Insights
Dr. Paul presents cutting-edge research on sleep homeostasis and circadian rhythms
Neuroscience Discoveries
Exploring the neural mechanisms underlying sleep regulation and therapeutic development