Rice and Northwestern researchers develop cell therapy for circadian rhythm adjustment

Researchers from Rice University and Northwestern University have developed an implantable cell therapy designed to help the body adjust to circadian rhythm disruptions, such as jet lag and shift work. The therapy involves engineering human retinal pigment epithelial cells to continuously produce the metabolic hormone leptin.

In preclinical models, the treatment was delivered via subcutaneous injection of cells encapsulated in microscopic alginate spheres. This encapsulation protects the cells from the immune system while allowing the hormone to diffuse into the body. The study, published in ‘Advanced Science’, indicates that the therapy can accelerate circadian realignment without permanently altering the body’s internal clock, as the cells naturally lose viability over time.

Initial testing in mouse models showed the therapy helped facilitate realignment following phase shifts. Furthermore, the treatment showed no significant toxicity and did not negatively affect sleep architecture in non-human primates.