How tiny connections between brain cells use energy
Physiology of Single Synaptic CNS Terminals
Researchers are testing whether boosting energy use in tiny brain connections can protect people with Alzheimer's and other brain disorders.
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-11283924 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how the tiny ends of nerve cells in your brain (synapses) get and use fuel like sugar and small fat droplets. Scientists will study key enzymes such as PGK-1 and the machinery that makes and burns lipid droplets using lab experiments on neurons and model systems. They will see whether increasing certain enzyme activities or changing how synapses use fats keeps synapses working when energy is low. Ultimately they aim to link these basic findings to conditions like Alzheimer's where the brain loses metabolic support.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with early-stage Alzheimer's or related neurodegenerative conditions, and volunteers willing to give biological samples or join future clinical work, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to brain metabolism or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to keep synapses functioning and slow memory loss in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Related lab studies have shown that changing glycolytic enzymes or lipid handling can protect synapses in cells and animals, but translating those findings to effective human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ryan, Timothy Aidan — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Ryan, Timothy Aidan
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.