The Research Project consists of three phases:
Phase 1: Testing candidate molecules
Several molecules have been identified that meet the characteristics of the somnogen identified in previous research. Phase 1 involves testing two likely molecules to discover if they mimic the somnogen affecting patients with Hypersomnia.
Phase 2: Studying samples of spinal fluid through an unbiased proteomics approach
While Emory University has collected hundreds of samples of Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) from patients with Hypersomnia they now require CSF samples from patients without Hypersomnia to serve as controls. This phase will include conducting Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLT) on each patient to confirm the lack of Hypersomnia symptoms and collecting CSF from each control too. This phase will significantly increase the likelihood of receiving further grants.
Phase 3: Target and validate
Using the CSF samples from the controls studied in Phase 2 and contrasting the differences in the CSF samples of Hypersomnia patients will allow the researchers to better target the somnogen. The outcome of this phase will form the basis of a grant submission to the NIH with a view to attracting further funding.