Ruifeng Cao, a postdoctoral fellow in Biochemistry at McGill University, is the award winner of the Fonds Santé, one of the three Fonds awards of the Fonds de recherche du Québec. His Award-winning publication ‘Translational control of entrainment and synchrony of the suprachiasmatic circadian clock by mTOR/4E-BP1 signaling’ is published in Neuron, vol. 79, no 4, 2013, p. 712-724.
Ruifeng Cao’s work helps understanding the molecular mechanisms of biological clocks, which may contribute to the development of time-managing drugs. The more we know about these mechanisms, the better able we will be to solve problems associated with disruptions to our bodies’ internal clocks. A stronger clock function may also help improve many physiological processes, such as aging. Additionally, this research could shed light on future treatments for disorders triggered by circadian clock dysfunction, including jet lag, sleep disorders, shift work disorders, and chronic conditions like depression and Parkinson’s disease.
Read the full article here.
In addition to promoting research careers in Quebec, this competition recognizes the exceptional research contributions of college and university students (bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate), postdoctoral fellows and members of professional bodies who are enrolled in advanced research training programs in the areas covered by the three Fonds de recherche du Québec.
To learn more about the awards, click here.
March 17, 2014