Changes in how brain cells make and release tiny packets (exosomes) in Alzheimer's
Dysregulation of Multivesicular Body and Exosome Flux in Alzheimer's Disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-11372839
This research looks at whether changes in small cell-made packets called exosomes help drive Alzheimer's disease and harm brain cells in people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | EMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11372839 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are examining how neurons form and release tiny vesicles called exosomes and whether that process goes wrong in Alzheimer's. They will use lab models, molecular analyses, and human brain samples to trace how exosomes carry harmful proteins like amyloid-beta and tau. The team will study the multivesicular body and endosomal-lysosomal pathways that produce exosomes and test how changing these pathways affects spread of toxic material between cells. Results could point to new ways to stop or slow the spread of damage in the Alzheimer brain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment who can work with or donate samples to researchers at Emory University would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or those looking for an immediate treatment are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to block the spread of damaging proteins and potentially slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and animal studies have shown exosomes can carry amyloid and that altering exosome levels can change plaque burden, but translating this into human therapies remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
ATLANTA, UNITED STATES
- EMORY UNIVERSITY — ATLANTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MAO, ZIXU — EMORY UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: MAO, ZIXU
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's disease brain