How Nutrients Affect Brain Cell Growth and Connections
Nutrient-dependent regulation of neural stem cell proliferation and neural circuit formation
This research explores how the food we eat influences the growth of new brain cells and how they connect, which is important for understanding brain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124870 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains are made of many different types of nerve cells, and this project aims to understand how these cells are created and organized to help us think and behave. Most of these brain cells are formed during development from special 'neural stem cells.' We are looking at how factors like diet affect these stem cells, influencing how many new brain cells are made and what types they become. By studying fruit flies, which have similar basic brain processes, we hope to uncover fundamental rules about brain development and how nutrients play a role.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not involve direct patient participation at this stage.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or therapies would not directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these basic processes could help us learn more about brain development and how conditions like Alzheimer's disease affect brain cell health.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds on existing knowledge about neural stem cells and nutrient sensing, but explores new aspects of their interaction in brain development.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Siegrist, Sarah Elizabeth — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Siegrist, Sarah Elizabeth
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.