Seeing and reversing energy problems in brain cells and networks in Alzheimer's
Imaging and Reversibility of Cellular and Network Metabolic Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease
This research uses advanced brain imaging in models of Alzheimer's to find where brain cells lose energy and whether fixing that can help people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11297510 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use high-resolution imaging methods developed in the lab, including two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging, to watch how amyloid plaques affect mitochondria and energy use in specific brain cell types in mouse models of Alzheimer's. They will link these cellular changes to larger-scale brain network energy patterns to understand how local problems become whole-brain dysfunction. The team will also test interventions to see if the cellular and network metabolic problems can be reversed. Findings are intended to point toward targets and timing for future human treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project is preclinical and does not enroll people now, but adults with early Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment are the population most likely to benefit from related future trials.
Not a fit: People with very advanced Alzheimer's or severe dementia are less likely to benefit from treatments aimed at early cellular metabolic changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets to restore cellular energy and slow or reverse cognitive decline in Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Prior human imaging has shown early metabolic decline in Alzheimer's, but directly imaging and reversing cell-type-specific metabolic dysfunction is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goyal, Manu S — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Goyal, Manu S
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.