Where your body stores fat may change brain immune cells and memory
Adipose tissue distribution determines microglial regulation of hippocampal plasticity
This research looks at how belly (visceral) versus hip/thigh (subcutaneous) fat affects brain immune cells and memory, with attention to female biology.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11304612 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map how long-term overeating changes immune responses across different brain regions and how those changes relate to learning and memory, focusing on the hippocampus. They will examine the anti-inflammatory signal interleukin-4 and use targeted genetic tools plus light-activated methods and tamoxifen metabolites to switch specific immune cells on or off in the cerebrospinal fluid. Most experiments are done in laboratory models to create a topographical picture of neuroimmune responses to different fat distributions. The team is especially interested in differences seen in adult females and how visceral (apple-shaped) fat may drive harmful brain inflammation linked to memory decline.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most relevant to the questions addressed here are middle-aged and older adults, particularly women, with excess belly (visceral) fat and concerns about age-related memory decline.
Not a fit: Those without obesity, with predominantly subcutaneous ('pear-shaped') fat, or seeking immediate treatment options are unlikely to get direct benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat memory problems tied to abdominal obesity, especially in women.
How similar studies have performed: Past studies have linked visceral fat and inflammation to worse memory, but the specific targeted immune-manipulation methods used here are largely novel and remain preclinical.
Where this research is happening
Augusta, United States
- Augusta University — Augusta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stranahan, Alexis M. — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Stranahan, Alexis M.
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.