Understanding how the aging brain regulates energy and sleep using new brain tools
Official title: Harnessing Innovative Neurotools to Decipher Hypothalamic Plasticity in Hibernation
Funded at University of Alaska Fairbanks · NIH-11336136 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A project at the University of Alaska Fairbanks uses innovative brain tools to study how aging affects a key brain region that controls sleep, energy, and temperature by looking at gene activity and viral approaches in Arctic ground squirrels.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alaska Fairbanks NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fairbanks, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2019 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $250,427 |
| NIH project number | 2P20GM130443-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11336136 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults aged 65 and older who are interested in understanding brain aging and metabolic health, or who have a background in participating in brain-related research.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without an interest in brain aging research or those not willing to engage in long-term studies may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
As people get older, the hypothalamus may not work as well, affecting daily health and well-being. This project aims to map how brain cells involved in generating new neurons respond to aging and how different brain regions react to gene changes. Researchers will study seasonal changes in gene activity in the arctic ground squirrel to learn about brain plasticity, and test how certain viral vectors reach targeted brain areas. The work combines advanced genetics and neurobiology to lay groundwork for protecting brain health in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could inform future strategies to maintain hypothalamic function and metabolic health in aging humans.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research in animals has shown that hypothalamic plasticity relates to energy balance, but translating these findings to humans is still developing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weltzin, Maegan M — University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Study coordinator: Weltzin, Maegan M
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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.