How metabolism and epigenetics shape memory in aging and Alzheimer's
Investigating the interface of epigenetics and metabolism underlying memory formation in the adult, aging, and AD brain
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-11299469
This project looks at whether exercise-linked metabolic and epigenetic changes help preserve memory in adults, older people, and people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11299469 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how specific patterns of exercise create lasting molecular changes in the hippocampus, the brain area important for forming and recalling memories. They will combine memory testing with molecular lab work, measuring metabolic signals and epigenetic marks (using methods like ATAC-seq) in adult, aged, and Alzheimer's-model brains to see how past activity changes future responses. The project will examine sex differences because women often show faster cognitive decline in Alzheimer's, and it will focus on how brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) links metabolism, epigenetics, and learning. Work will use a mix of laboratory models and molecular analyses and may include samples or human-relevant data to connect the findings to people with aging-related memory loss or Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) and especially older adults (65+) and people with or at risk for Alzheimer's who can take part in exercise-related protocols or provide relevant samples are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People whose memory problems are unrelated to aging or Alzheimer's, or those unable to engage in exercise-related elements, are less likely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to exercise patterns or molecular targets that help preserve or restore memory in older adults and people with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior human and animal studies show exercise can raise BDNF and support memory, but the specific metabolic–epigenetic 'molecular memory' mechanisms proposed here are relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
IRVINE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE — IRVINE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WOOD, MARCELO ANDRES — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- Study coordinator: WOOD, MARCELO ANDRES
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.