University of California-San Francisco · NeurosciencePtacek Sleep Lab
Louis J. Ptacek · San Francisco, California
Research Focus
Dr. Louis J. Ptacek's lab focuses on understanding the genetics and biology behind sleep regulation, particularly for individuals with 'Familial Natural Short Sleep' (FNSS), a condition where affected people need significantly less sleep than average yet feel rested. The lab studies various genes involved in sleep homeostasis using human samples and mouse models, aiming to discover new genetic factors that play a role in sleep patterns. Ultimately, this research could lead to better treatments for sleep disorders.
Familial Natural Short Sleepsleep geneticsmouse modelsgene identificationsleep regulation
Research Aims
4AIM 01Investigate the genetic basis of Familial Natural Short Sleep (FNSS).
AIM 02Identify new genes associated with FNSS using whole exome and genome sequencing.
AIM 03Develop mouse models to study identified FNSS gene mutations.
AIM 04Explore biological pathways that regulate sleep efficiency.
Skills the Lab Values
whole exome sequencingDNA bankingphenotypingelectroencephalography (EEG)mouse model development
Output against the department
Publications269top 27% of dept.178th of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations20ktop 21% of dept.143rd of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.