Metabolism and recovery after concussion (mild TBI)
Metabolic Mechanisms of Recovery in Mild TBI
Researchers are testing whether turning on a brain protein called cypin can correct metabolic changes after a concussion and help people with mild traumatic brain injury recover.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11166470 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you've had a concussion, this project looks at how a brain protein called cypin affects chemicals in the brain that are linked to thinking problems after mild TBI. The team uses new rodent concussion models and lab tests to study how cypin changes levels of methionine and other metabolic pathways after injury. They have discovered small molecules that activate cypin and found these compounds protect cells in lab dishes and restore cognitive function in animal models. The researchers will map how cypin interacts with enzymes like AHCYL1 and the methionine cycle to identify steps that could be turned into treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who recently had a concussion or who have ongoing post-concussion symptoms from mild traumatic brain injury would be the most likely candidates for future treatments based on this research.
Not a fit: Patients with moderate-to-severe TBI, non-traumatic neurodegenerative diseases, or long-standing neurological conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific metabolic approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medicines that reduce post-concussion symptoms and speed cognitive recovery after mild TBI.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal work by this team showed cypin activators protect neurons and improve cognition in rodents, but human testing is still novel and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Piscataway, United States
- Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. — Piscataway, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Firestein, Bonnie L — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Firestein, Bonnie L
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.