How brain support cells use glucose to help new memory-related neurons survive
Activity-dependent astrocyte glucose dynamics regulate hippocampal neurogenesis
This project tests whether activity-driven glucose use by brain support cells helps new memory-related neurons survive, which could be important for people with or at risk for 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 ID | NIH-11247559 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, scientists will use advanced lab imaging and metabolic tools to watch how brain activity controls how astrocytes (support cells) take up glucose and make lactate that newborn neurons need. They will identify which local neurons direct astrocyte glucose uptake, determine whether lactate directly fuels or signals to young neurons, and compare these processes in models relevant to Alzheimer's disease. The team will manipulate glucose uptake genetically to see if changing astrocyte metabolism can save newborn neurons. Although most work is in lab models and tissue, the project looks for mechanisms that could guide future treatments to protect memory-related brain cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, or older adults concerned about memory decline are the kinds of people who might benefit from or later take part in clinical trials informed by this research.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to hippocampal neurogenesis or non-memory disorders are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal ways to boost survival of new memory-related neurons and point to potential strategies to slow or repair memory loss in Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and cell studies suggest astrocyte-produced lactate can support neurons, but applying these findings to adult human neurogenesis and Alzheimer's-related decline is relatively new and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Stony Brook, United States
- 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
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.