How cells change their energy use to stay healthy
Cellular mechanisms of bioenergetic plasticity
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11117041
This work looks at how cells shift where and how they make energy inside themselves, which could help people with diabetes and other metabolic diseases in the future.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11117041 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use tiny fluorescent biosensors and live-cell imaging to watch how mitochondria and glycolysis make ATP in different parts of cells. They combine these images with genomic and transcriptomic analyses to identify the genes and pathways that control those local energy programs. The team focuses on neurons and other cell types to uncover how subcellular compartments specialize their metabolism. Findings are intended to explain metabolic problems seen in diseases like diabetes and to highlight possible targets for new treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project is primarily lab-based and does not list direct patient enrollment, though people with diabetes could later participate by donating samples or joining follow-up clinical studies.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments or those without metabolic disorders should not expect direct or immediate benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal targets to correct cellular energy dysfunction in diabetes and related disorders, guiding development of future therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Similar live-cell biosensor and genetic studies have uncovered new energy-regulating pathways in cells, but turning those discoveries into clinical treatments remains at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ASHRAFI, GHAZALEH — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: ASHRAFI, GHAZALEH
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.
Conditions: Diabetes Mellitus