Blocking Bach1 to boost the brain's natural protection in Alzheimer's
Neuroprotective mechanisms of Bach1-Derepression in Alzheimer’s Disease
Seeing if turning off a protein called Bach1 can safely switch on the brain’s protective Nrf2 pathway for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11297517 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a protein called Bach1 that keeps the brain’s protective Nrf2 system turned down. They will use human tissue, cell models, and Alzheimer’s model animals (such as APP/PS1 mice) to see whether blocking Bach1 restores protective responses without the side effects of current Nrf2 activators. The team will search for molecular targets or strategies to inhibit Bach1 and measure effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and protein damage. The work aims to produce findings that could guide safer treatments to slow brain damage in people with Alzheimer’s.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment would be the most relevant candidates for future studies stemming from this work.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer’s, those with other unrelated conditions, or individuals with very advanced late-stage disease are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to safer ways to boost the brain’s own protective defenses and potentially slow memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows that activating Nrf2 can protect brain cells in lab and animal models, but targeting Bach1 is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomas, Bobby — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Thomas, Bobby
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.