معرفی
Paul Franken is an Associate Professor at the Center for Integrative Genomics (CIG), University of Lausanne. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying sleep homeostasis and circadian rhythms, with emphasis on genetic and systems-level approaches. Franken received his PhD from the University of Groningen (1993) and conducted postdoctoral work at Stanford University and the University of Geneva. His lab investigates how sleep-wake states interact with circadian processes, using mouse models to study clock gene regulation, miRNA functions, and the genetic basis of EEG traits. Key projects include systems genetics of sleep deprivation and the role of NPAS2 in linking clock genes to metabolic state.
- Education: PhD in Neurobiology, University of Groningen (1993)
- Postdoctoral Training: Stanford University (1993–2000), University of Geneva (1996–2000)
- Affiliations: Member of the CIG since 2005; Group Leader with postdocs, PhD students, and technical staff
Research Interests: The lab employs QTL mapping, molecular genetics, and in vivo imaging to unravel how sleep homeostasis and circadian rhythms are intertwined. Current projects explore:
- Genetic determinants of sleep traits using BXD and Collaborative Cross mouse populations
- Mechanisms linking clock gene expression (e.g., PER1/PER2) to wakefulness duration
- Role of miRNAs like miR-709 in sleep EEG regulation
- Systems biology approaches to integrate genomic, metabolomic, and behavioral data
Grants & Collaborations: Supported by Swiss National Science Foundation and EU grants. Collaborates with neuroscientists, bioinformaticians, and clinicians to advance sleep medicine.
Labs/Teams: Franken leads a multidisciplinary team at CIG, including studies on vestibular stimulation effects (rocking and sleep) and peripheral clock interactions.
