Analyzing proteins in individual cells to understand brain aging and Alzheimer's disease
Single cell analysis of the kinome
This study is looking at special proteins in individual brain cells to better understand how aging and Alzheimer's disease affect them, with the hope of finding new ways to develop treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pasadena, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10900583 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on profiling kinases, which are important proteins, in single cells to explore specific biochemical pathways related to aging and Alzheimer's disease. By overcoming technical challenges in detecting proteins at the single-cell level, the study aims to integrate kinase activity data with RNA measurements to create detailed profiles of different cell types in the brain. The ultimate goal is to map these kinase pathways in both mouse and human brains, potentially identifying new targets for drug development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, particularly those in the aging population.
Not a fit: Patients with non-neurological conditions or those not affected by Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease by identifying specific proteins that contribute to the disease process.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of single-cell kinome analysis is innovative, previous studies have shown success in single-cell genomics, suggesting potential for breakthroughs in understanding complex diseases.
Where this research is happening
Pasadena, United States
- California Institute of Technology — Pasadena, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cai, Long — California Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Cai, Long
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.