How brain cells switch and share energy to support thinking and sensing
How do neurons coordinate alternative energy sources to meet the demands of computation?
This project looks at how nerve cells use and switch between energy sources to keep the brain working, with implications for people who have brain problems caused by energy failures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11229587 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From the patient perspective, scientists will watch nerve cells in active, behaving brains using high-resolution imaging to see which fuels cells use during real sensations and actions. They will compare those cellular measurements with patterns seen in human brain imaging like fMRI to link cell-level metabolism with whole-brain signals. The team will manipulate metabolic pathways in lab models to see how cells predict and prepare for future energy needs. Results aim to reveal basic rules of how brains balance energy during computation so we can better understand disorders tied to metabolic failure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Currently this is basic research using lab models and imaging, so there are no active patient enrollment criteria; if human studies are added, adults with neurological conditions linked to metabolism (for example mitochondrial disorders or neurodegenerative diseases) would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Because this is fundamental science rather than a clinical treatment trial, patients should not expect immediate personal health benefits from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to detect, monitor, or eventually treat brain disorders that involve problems with cellular energy use.
How similar studies have performed: Previous human brain imaging and cell studies have linked activity to blood flow and metabolism, but this project applies new high-resolution imaging and behavioral approaches that are novel and largely untested in people.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clandinin, Thomas Robert — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Clandinin, Thomas Robert
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.