Glucose transport problems in Alzheimer's disease
Role of glucose transport in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis
This work looks at whether trouble moving glucose into brain cells contributes to Alzheimer's and whether the APOE4 gene makes that worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11295382 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use mice that overproduce beta‑amyloid, a protein linked to Alzheimer's, to see how astrocytes shuttle glucose to neurons. They measure glucose transport proteins, brain glucose use, blood glucose regulation, and memory performance in these mice. The team also examines how the APOE4 genetic variant affects glucose handling and gene regulation. Findings will be compared to what is seen in human Alzheimer's to guide future patient-focused studies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or older adults who carry the APOE ε4 gene and are willing to provide clinical information or biological samples would be most relevant for related human studies.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's disease or those expecting an immediate treatment benefit should not expect direct personal benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to ways to protect or restore the brain's energy supply and slow cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked lower brain glucose use to cognitive decline, but targeting astrocyte glucose transport and APOE4's role is a relatively new and not yet proven approach.
Where this research is happening
Little Rock, United States
- Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis — Little Rock, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barger, Steven W — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Barger, Steven W
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 below.