Blocking LRRK2-driven protein buildup linked to Alzheimer's and other dementias
Targeting Proteostatic Mechanisms to Inhibit LRRK2-Mediated Neurodegeneration and Neuropathology
Researchers are looking for ways to reduce harmful protein clumps caused by LRRK2 in people with Alzheimer's-related dementia using patient cells and brain tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10933550 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will grow neurons from patient-derived cells and study rare postmortem brain tissue to see how LRRK2 affects protein handling in the brain. They will examine where LRRK2 sits inside cells and how it gets broken down, focusing on microtubules and the cell’s waste-disposal pathways. The researchers will test whether boosting newly discovered LRRK2 degradation routes can protect aged patient neurons from damage. Findings will be compared across systems that show Alzheimer-type and other proteinopathies to understand how LRRK2 can cause different forms of neurodegeneration.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, and individuals known to carry LRRK2 mutations who are willing to provide cells or tissue samples, are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Those without LRRK2-linked disease and anyone seeking an immediate personal treatment are unlikely to get direct clinical benefit from participating in this basic mechanistic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that help brain cells clear toxic proteins and slow or prevent dementia progression.
How similar studies have performed: Related LRRK2-targeting approaches have shown promise in cell and animal Parkinson’s models, but applying these strategies to Alzheimer-type proteinopathies is newer and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hiniker, Annie E — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Hiniker, Annie E
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.