Dr. David Earnest

Biography

David J. Earnest is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics at Texas A&M University. His research focuses on cellular and molecular neurobiology with a special emphasis on mammalian circadian rhythms. Earnest investigates the normal regulation of 24-hour circadian rhythms, emphasizing the master biological clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and peripheral clocks throughout the body. His work highlights the significance of these rhythms for human health, underscoring their role in ensuring the temporal coordination of internal biological processes with the external environment. His laboratory employs multidisciplinary approaches to understand the cellular and molecular neurobiology of cell-autonomous circadian clocks and the signal transduction pathways that are responsible for circadian photoentrainment. Current projects include studying the role of microRNAs in the signaling of temporal coordination among circadian clocks and the interactions between circadian mechanisms and metabolism. He also examines how disruptions in circadian rhythms can lead to metabolic disorders, furthering understanding of conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cognitive decline associated with aging.

Research Interests

Experience