How energy use in brain cells controls fast brain rhythms
Defining the metabolic principles of neuronal network oscillations
This project studies whether energy-making proteins in certain fast-firing brain cells keep the brain rhythms that support memory and affect Alzheimer's risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11395313 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will focus on parvalbumin-expressing interneurons, a type of fast‑firing brain cell that helps generate gamma rhythms linked to memory. They will use genetic tools and a targeted mitochondrial protein screen in lab models (cells and animal models) to find proteins that support the high energy needs of these cells. The team will test how changing those proteins alters cell firing, gamma oscillations, and behaviors tied to memory. Findings aim to point to molecules that could be protected or targeted to preserve cognitive function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with memory concerns, mild cognitive impairment, or a family history of Alzheimer's disease would be the eventual candidates to benefit from therapies arising from this research.
Not a fit: People with very advanced dementia or neurological conditions unrelated to cortical network dysfunction are less likely to see direct short-term benefit from this basic lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new molecular targets to preserve memory and brain rhythms affected in Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked metabolism in parvalbumin interneurons to gamma rhythms, but applying a targeted mitochondrial proteome screen to find new energy‑support proteins is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pekkurnaz, Gulcin — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Pekkurnaz, Gulcin
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.