Investigating how the AMPK signaling pathway affects myelination during development
Friend or Foe? The AMPK Signaling Pathway During Developmental Myelination
This study is looking at how a specific pathway in the brain helps support the growth of myelin, which is important for healthy brain function, and it’s testing whether a common diabetes medication can improve myelin production in young and older mice to see if it could help people with conditions that damage myelin.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11118215 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the role of the AMPK signaling pathway in the process of myelination, which is crucial for proper brain function. It examines how oligodendroglial cells, responsible for myelination, manage energy production and usage, particularly during developmental stages. The study involves manipulating AMPK activity using pharmacological agents like metformin to understand its effects on myelination in both young and aged mice. By analyzing these mechanisms, the research aims to clarify the potential benefits and risks of AMPK activators in treating demyelinating diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include children and adults with demyelinating conditions or those at risk of myelination issues.
Not a fit: Patients with fully developed myelination and no neurological conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for demyelinating diseases by optimizing myelination processes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with AMPK activators like metformin in enhancing remyelination in adult models, but the effects during development remain largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Stony Brook, United States
- State University New York Stony Brook — Stony Brook, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Colognato, Holly a — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Colognato, Holly a
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.