# IGF-1 Regulation of Astrocyte Mitochondrial Metabolism and Redox Homeostasis in Brain Aging

> **NIH NIH R00** · UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR · 2021 · $249,000

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
 The long-term goal of this project is to establish Dr. Logan as a successful and funded, independent
investigator in the field of aging, and in particular, mitochondrial redox homeostasis and brain aging. Dr. Logan
joined the laboratory of Dr. William Sonntag to study the mechanisms underlying IGF-1-dependent changes in
learning and memory. Dr. Sonntag is a leading authority in the field of neuroendocrine signaling and aging. Dr.
Sonntag's laboratory offers a variety of in vivo approaches, which will expand her technical repertoire and allow
her to become a well-rounded research scientist. The research strategy outlined incorporates in vitro techniques
used to study mitochondrial metabolism with the in vivo techniques in the Sonntag laboratory. The training
program includes a mixture of hands-on laboratory training, journal clubs and mentoring interactions with Dr.
Van Remmen and members of the Oklahoma Nathan Shock Center. Dr. Logan will receive specialized training
in mitochondrial function and signaling networks directly relevant to this area of research. This program will
ensure that Dr. Logan transitions to an independent investigator in the field of aging research. The short-term
objective of this application is to enhance the candidate's knowledge of mitochondrial metabolism and redox
homeostasis and long-term to enable the candidate, as a newly-hired faculty member, to secure protected time
for research activity, establish new collaborations, and pursue a novel line of independent research that results
in competitive grant proposals. Preliminary data performed by Dr. Logan indicate that IGF-1 regulates energy
levels in astrocytes rather than neurons; loss of IGF-1 signaling reduces energy charge in astrocytes, increases
mitochondrial ROS that when chronically sustained leads to learning and memory impairments. This proposal
expands these novel findings to better understand how IGF-1-regulated mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox
signaling contribute to age-related cognitive decline. The overarching hypothesis is that aberrations in astrocytic
redox and energy homeostasis contribute to cognitive deficits with age. The following aims are proposed: 1)
Determine whether IGF-1R signaling deficiency impairs astrocyte mitochondrial function and bioenergetics; 2)
Decipher the molecular regulation of redox homeostasis in astrocytes with IGF-1R signaling deficiency; and 3)
Delineate the functional consequence of IGF-1R signaling in astrocytes on learning and memory. The studies
that have been proposed will explore pathways that increase the risk for neurodegenerative disease, contribute
to cognitive impairment and potentially be targeted to improve the quality of life for older individuals.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10221563
- **Project number:** 5R00AG056662-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Sreemathi Logan
- **Activity code:** R00 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $249,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-09-01 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10221563

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10221563, IGF-1 Regulation of Astrocyte Mitochondrial Metabolism and Redox Homeostasis in Brain Aging (5R00AG056662-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10221563. Licensed CC0.

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