How exercise helps brain cells clear damaged mitochondria in Alzheimer's
Exercise-Induced Mitophagy In Hippocampal Neurons Against AD
['FUNDING_R01'] · VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV · NIH-11013387
Looks at whether regular endurance or strength exercise helps brain cells clear damaged mitochondria and protect memory in adults with or at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11013387 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From your perspective, the team will use animal models and lab analyses to see how running or weightlifting turns on a key energy sensor (AMPK) and its partner Ulk1 in hippocampal neurons. They will measure whether this activation boosts mitophagy, the cell's way of removing damaged mitochondria, and whether that lowers amyloid and tau problems linked to memory loss. The researchers will compare endurance versus resistance exercise effects and study molecular and cognitive outcomes. Findings could point to how exercise or related therapies preserve brain cell health in Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with Alzheimer's disease or older adults at risk for Alzheimer's who are able to take part in exercise programs or provide relevant biological samples.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's, or those who are too frail or have medical conditions that prevent safe exercise participation, may not directly benefit from enrolling.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could suggest exercise-based approaches or drug targets to improve mitochondrial health and help protect memory in people with Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show exercise can improve AMPK activity and cognition in animal models and humans, but directly linking exercise to mitophagy in Alzheimer's is a newer and less-tested idea.
Where this research is happening
BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES
- VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV — BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: YAN, ZHEN — VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV
- Study coordinator: YAN, ZHEN
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.