How the brain's energy systems and mitochondria respond when oxygen is lost and then returns
Metabolic Landscape and Mitochondrial ROS Balance in Brain Ischemia/Reperfusion
This work looks at how brain cells' energy processes and damaging oxygen molecules change after oxygen loss and return, especially in babies who suffer perinatal asphyxia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248390 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
After an oxygen-loss event like perinatal asphyxia or stroke, the brain's metabolism and mitochondria can produce harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) that injure tissue. The team will use laboratory models and brain tissue studies to track changes in glycolysis, the TCA cycle, amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, and mitochondrial function during oxygen deprivation and reoxygenation. They will measure metabolites, mitochondrial behavior (including reverse electron transfer and loss of mitochondrial cofactors), and ammonia-linked increases in ROS in different brain cell types. The goal is to pinpoint the metabolic steps that drive ROS and redox imbalance so future therapies can target them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work is most relevant to newborns who experienced perinatal asphyxia and to people recovering from brain ischemia such as stroke.
Not a fit: People whose brain problems are unrelated to oxygen loss or ROS-driven injury (for example, genetic neurodegenerative diseases with different causes) are less likely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new ways to protect the brain from damage after oxygen loss at birth or after stroke by targeting the metabolic sources of harmful ROS.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown related mitochondrial and metabolic mechanisms in cell and animal models, but translating these findings into proven clinical treatments remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Galkin, Alexander — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Galkin, Alexander
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.