How the brain signals energy needs during learning and memory
Official title: Food for thought: a virus-like signal for the energetic demands of higher cognitive functions
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10927337 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain tells the body to use energy when we're thinking hard or learning new things, and it's especially for people who might be struggling with memory or focus due to weight or metabolic issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,044,756 |
| NIH project number | 5DP1DK139570-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10927337 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing cognitive impairments or those with metabolic syndromes such as obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cognitive impairments or metabolic issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain communicates its energy demands during cognitive activities like learning and memory. It explores the role of virus-like particles that are produced in the brain when these higher cognitive functions occur, and how these particles may signal fat storage tissues to release energy. By understanding this process, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind cognitive impairments associated with energy imbalances, such as those seen in obesity and metabolic syndromes. The approach involves studying the interactions between brain activity and energy mobilization from body fat.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving cognitive function and addressing cognitive decline related to obesity and metabolic disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using virus-like particles in this context is novel, related research has shown success in understanding brain energy dynamics and cognitive function.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reis, Tania — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Reis, Tania
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how alcohol and how couples talk about consent affect intimate partner sexual violence
This project studies how alcohol use and how partners communicate about consent influence intimate partner sexual violence among sexual minority and heterosexual couples.
-
How proteins change and move as heart cells develop
This grant aims to map how protein turnover changes as human iPSCs turn into cardiomyocytes and other cell types, using new labeling and mass-spectrometry methods.
-
Center for Health, Work and Environment
A national center dedicated to improving health in people who work, by studying how jobs affect well-being and safety.
-
Subtyping Core for Research on the Causes of Type 2 Diabetes (SCORE-T2D)
A new U01 grant from a university research team aims to understand why Type 2 diabetes differs so much between people and how to tailor prevention and treatment.
-
Expanded antibody-based clues to TB risk in people with HIV
A clinician-scientist seeks to understand how antibodies in people with HIV may drive the progression from latent TB to active TB, with the goal of identifying clues that could guide future care.
-
Human Trisome Project in Latin America Network
A large, multi-site study of people with Down syndrome across Latin America to better understand health and aging in DS.
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.