How brain cell activity affects glucose use and neuron growth in the hippocampus
Official title: Activity-dependent astrocyte glucose dynamics regulate hippocampal neurogenesis
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11050839 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how brain cell activity affects the way supportive brain cells use sugar, and how this process might help new brain cells survive, especially as we age or in the case of Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $688,419 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG091353-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050839 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older, particularly those experiencing age-related cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have any cognitive decline or neurodegenerative conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the activity of neurons in the hippocampus influences the metabolism of glucose by astrocytes, which are supportive brain cells. It focuses on understanding how this glucose metabolism impacts the survival of newly formed neurons, particularly in the context of aging and Alzheimer's disease. The study employs advanced techniques to explore the relationship between neuronal activity and astrocyte function, aiming to uncover mechanisms that could enhance neurogenesis in healthy and diseased brains.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for promoting brain health and neurogenesis, particularly in aging populations and those affected by Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of astrocytes and glucose metabolism in neurogenesis, indicating that this approach has potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ge, Shaoyu — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Ge, Shaoyu
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how oral microbes interact at the single-cell level
Aimed at uncovering how bacteria in the mouth stick together and influence each other, using advanced imaging to reveal functional connections at the microscopic level.
-
Cellular and circuit-level mechanisms of HIV/NRTI-related pain in the context of opioids
This NIH grant explores how HIV medicines (NRTIs) and opioids may combine to cause chronic pain, aiming to help people living with HIV who experience pain.
-
Using a dye to see how kidneys work and how transporters act
A new, simple dye-based test could help doctors measure kidney tubular function and transporter activity more accurately in people with acute kidney problems.
-
Interneuronal aging in trauma-exposed World Trade Center responders
A study in WTC responders with PTSD will look at brain interneuron health using advanced imaging and proteins to understand how PTSD may affect aging brains.
-
Dynamic PTSD-Related Cognitive Risk in Aging WTC Responders
This project follows World Trade Center responders as they age to understand how PTSD symptoms relate to changes in thinking skills over time.
-
How CHIKV viruses adapt to mosquitoes and cause disease in people
This project explores how the chikungunya virus changes to become better at infecting mosquitoes and causing disease in humans, with the goal of understanding how to prevent transmission and illness.
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.