A group of normal brain cells that mimic familial Alzheimer's features
A unique subpopulation of wild-type neurons recapitulating FAD phenotypes
This work looks for a small population of otherwise normal brain neurons that behave like those seen in familial Alzheimer's, to better understand late-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237127 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From the patient's perspective, researchers are studying whether some normal brain neurons take on the same harmful behaviors found in genetically driven (familial) Alzheimer's. They will examine human Alzheimer's brain tissue and laboratory neurons to look for chemical changes to the presenilin protein and use new live-cell sensors to watch enzyme activity in single neurons over time. The team combines advanced imaging, molecular lab work, and human-derived samples to spot and characterize these special neurons. Learning how and why these neurons change could point to new ways to slow or prevent damage in sporadic late-onset Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with late-onset sporadic Alzheimer's disease and individuals willing to donate brain tissue or join observational brain-bank programs would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or those expecting an immediate treatment benefit are unlikely to gain direct clinical benefit from this basic-science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify a new cellular target to help slow or prevent neurodegeneration in sporadic Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies by the team have shown similar presenilin changes in Alzheimer's brains and developed live-cell sensors to measure relevant enzyme activity, but translating these findings toward therapies remains new.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maesako, Masato — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Maesako, Masato
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.