Cellular Energy Metabolism in Neurons
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11524645 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how nerve cells keep up with energy needs on the fly, using new fluorescent sensors to watch energy changes in real neurons.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $484,953 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS153564-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11524645 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals with conditions affecting brain energy metabolism or aging-related cognitive issues, who may contribute to future translational research.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals without neurological disorders may not directly benefit from this basic science study.
What this research studies
This project will use genetically encoded metabolic biosensors to image energy metabolites in neuron types and subcellular compartments in mouse hippocampal slices. By applying controlled stimulation, researchers will track how ATP, citrate, inorganic phosphate, and the phosphocreatine system respond in real time. The goal is to understand how energy supply is coordinated during rapid neuronal activity and how calcium signals influence mitochondrial and metabolic responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A better understanding of neuronal energy control could lead to new approaches for protecting brain energy balance in aging and neurodegenerative conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work using metabolic biosensors has revealed dynamic energy changes in neurons, supporting the potential for meaningful discoveries in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yellen, Gary I — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Yellen, Gary I
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.