How metabolism affects memory and brain aging
Linking metabolism, neural function, and aging
This research looks at whether lowering certain metabolism-made chemicals called kynurenine pathway products can protect memory and brain health as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11467540 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at how your body's metabolism of the amino acid tryptophan produces kynurenine pathway (KP) chemicals that can harm memory and cognition. Most experiments use the tiny worm C. elegans to find which neurons make kynurenic acid (KynA), how KynA blocks NMDAR receptors, and how that leads to learning and memory decline, and they found a steroid (ADIOL) that lowers KynA. The team reports these mechanisms appear conserved in mammals, which raises hope the findings could apply to people. The goal is to turn those basic discoveries into drugs, dietary changes, or other strategies to lower harmful KP metabolites and protect cognition during aging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with mild cognitive impairment, early-stage Alzheimer's disease, or those concerned about age-related memory decline would be the most likely candidates for future trials informed by this work.
Not a fit: People with advanced late-stage dementia or memory loss due to non-Alzheimer causes may be less likely to benefit from interventions that target the kynurenine pathway.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies or lifestyle approaches that lower harmful kynurenine metabolites and help preserve memory in people with age-related cognitive decline or early Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical animal and cell studies have linked KP metabolites to memory problems and some KP-targeting approaches show promise, but clear success in human clinical trials has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ashrafi, Kaveh — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Ashrafi, Kaveh
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.