How the GLUT1 glucose transporter affects early brain growth and development
Determining the Role of Glucose Transporter 1 in Neural Development and Disease
This project will look at how problems with the GLUT1 protein in early brain cells may lead to conditions like GLUT1 deficiency, seizures, autism, and ADHD.
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-11308725 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use both mouse experiments and human cell models to reduce or remove GLUT1 in neural progenitor (early brain) cells and watch how those cells grow, divide, and become neurons. They will measure cell proliferation, cell-cycle changes, fate decisions, and metabolic activity using imaging, single-cell analyses, and biochemical assays. The mouse work shows effects in a developing brain, while human-derived cells help link findings to human GLUT1-Deficiency Syndrome and related neurodevelopmental conditions. Together these approaches aim to reveal when and how GLUT1 problems disrupt brain development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with GLUT1-Deficiency Syndrome, early-onset unexplained seizures, developmental delay, or related neurodevelopmental conditions (or families willing to donate blood or cells) would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to glucose transport or who have only adult-onset neurological issues are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify how GLUT1-related problems cause developmental brain disorders and point to earlier diagnosis or new treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked GLUT1 problems to neurological disease and shown benefits from metabolic therapies like the ketogenic diet, but using NPC-specific GLUT1 loss in combined mouse and human cell models is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pearson, Caroline Alayne — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Pearson, Caroline Alayne
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.