Irisin — the exercise hormone that may protect memory
FNDC5/irisin as a Molecular Mediator of Exercise Benefits in Cognitive Function
This research looks at whether irisin, a molecule released during exercise, helps the brain grow new neurons and improve memory for people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249935 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists will study irisin, the secreted form of FNDC5, to understand how exercise benefits the brain. Using genetic mouse models of Alzheimer's, they will manipulate FNDC5/irisin levels and apply molecular, imaging, and behavioral tests to measure hippocampal neurogenesis and memory. The team will map cellular pathways linking irisin to neurons and synapses to identify mechanisms. Findings will inform whether therapies that mimic exercise hormones could be developed for people with cognitive decline.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with early Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment interested in exercise-related or biomarker-driven therapies would be the most relevant candidates for future trials stemming from this work.
Not a fit: People without neurodegenerative conditions, or those with very advanced Alzheimer's, are less likely to benefit directly from these early-stage laboratory studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new therapies that mimic exercise hormones to protect memory or slow Alzheimer's progression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous human and animal studies show exercise can improve memory and early data implicate irisin, but translating these findings into effective treatments is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wrann, Christiane D. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Wrann, Christiane D.
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.