Blocking overactive Hippo signals to protect memory in Alzheimer’s
The Hippo signaling pathway as a target of intervention for Alzheimer’s disease
This project aims to turn down an overactive cellular signal called the Hippo pathway to protect brain cells and slow memory loss in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11307082 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on the Hippo signaling pathway, a cell-control system that recent data show is abnormally active in Alzheimer's. The team found that reducing Hippo activity in forebrain neurons improved memory and reduced neuron loss in Alzheimer model systems. They will study how Hippo becomes overactive in Alzheimer's and test ways to inhibit it in laboratory and animal experiments to identify possible drug targets. The goal is to move toward treatments that protect neurons and preserve thinking skills.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease—particularly those in early to moderate stages—would be the likely candidates for future therapies developed from this work.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or those in very advanced stages with extensive neuron loss may be unlikely to benefit from these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to therapies that protect neurons and slow cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting cell-survival pathways has shown promise in animal models, but directly targeting the Hippo pathway for Alzheimer's is relatively new and remains mostly at the preclinical stage.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ran, Qitao — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Ran, Qitao
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.