Brain stem cell aging and Alzheimer's disease
Neural Stem Cell Aging and Neurodegeneration
This work looks at whether turning on a mitochondrial stress response in brain stem cells can help keep tissues healthy and slow Alzheimer’s-related decline.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238554 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are studying a cell defense system inside mitochondria called the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) to see how it affects aging of brain stem cells and tissue health. They will use lab experiments and mammal models to activate this protective pathway and observe whether it preserves stem cell function and reduces tissue degeneration similar to Alzheimer's. The team will test a gain-of-function approach to see if activating these molecules can extend healthy years and reduce Alzheimer-like brain changes. If promising targets are identified, the results could guide the development of future therapies or clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease or older adults at risk for Alzheimer's would be the kind of patients who might benefit from future trials based on this work, though the current project appears lab-based and does not enroll patients.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatments, people with non-Alzheimer causes of cognitive symptoms, or younger healthy individuals are unlikely to see direct benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new ways to protect brain cells, slow Alzheimer's progression, and extend healthy years.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work in model organisms has shown that boosting UPRmt can extend healthspan, but applying this approach to mammalian brain aging and Alzheimer's is largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Danica — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Chen, Danica
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.