Cell 'recycling' problems in brain cells linked to Alzheimer's risk
Characterization of AD-related endolysosomal dysfunction in human neural cells
Researchers are using patient-derived stem cells and donated brain tissue to look at how defects in cells' recycling systems and SORL1 gene changes relate to Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309651 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team turns patient blood or tissue into stem cells and grows them into the two main brain cell types—neurons and microglia—to model Alzheimer-related biology. They compare cells carrying SORL1 gene variants to matched corrected control cells and study donated brain tissue to see how endo-lysosomal (cell recycling) trafficking breaks down. The group will run cell biology tests that track protein sorting, retromer interactions, and measures of cell health and inflammation. Findings will help decide whether fixing SORL1-related trafficking could be a promising target for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with Alzheimer's or related dementia who can provide blood, skin, or brain tissue donations, especially those known to carry SORL1 variants.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatment or those without SORL1-related genetic risks are unlikely to gain direct health benefits from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new molecular targets to prevent or slow Alzheimer's by repairing cellular trafficking defects.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and genetic studies have implicated SORL1 and retromer trafficking in Alzheimer's, but translating those findings into effective therapies is still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Young, Jessica Elaine — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Young, Jessica Elaine
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.