Changes to neuron 'skeletons' (microtubules) and their link to Alzheimer's
Pathogenic Roles for Microtubule Stabilization Pathways in Alzheimers disease
This work looks at whether lasting chemical changes to the tiny internal 'skeletons' of brain cells cause tau buildup and loss of connections in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11297496 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one has Alzheimer's, researchers are examining how modifications to tubulin (a building block of microtubules) affect neuron shape and synapse health. They will study these processes using lab-grown neurons, animal models, and human brain tissue or clinical samples to track how loss of tubulin re-tyrosination and D2 tubulin accumulation change microtubule stability and promote tau abnormalities. The team will manipulate the enzymes that control these tubulin changes and measure effects on synapses and memory-related cell functions. The goal is to reveal early disease mechanisms that could point to ways to protect synapses and slow memory decline.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who can consent to donate clinical samples or participate in related observational sample-collection efforts.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's, those seeking immediate therapeutic benefit, or those unwilling to provide samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this primarily lab-based mechanistic work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to prevent tau buildup and protect synapses, which might lead to treatments that slow or prevent memory loss in Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked microtubule dysfunction and tau to Alzheimer's, but the specific role of tubulin detyrosination and irreversible D2 accumulation is a newer, less-tested area.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bartolini, Francesca — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Bartolini, Francesca
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.