Developing advanced techniques to analyze proteins related to aging and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Ultrahigh-Sensitivity Mass Spectrometry for Scalable Proteomics
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-11145806 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to look at proteins in cells to better understand how aging and Alzheimer's disease affect them, using both simple and complex living models, so we can learn more about the changes that happen in our brains as we get older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $602,328 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG088147-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11145806 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing accelerated aging or are affected by Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have conditions related to aging or Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new platform called scalable Single-Cell Mass Spectrometry (SCeMaS) to analyze the protein composition in cells, particularly in relation to aging and Alzheimer's disease. By utilizing high-sensitivity mass spectrometry, the project aims to identify and characterize proteomic changes that occur in neurons and their subtypes as they age. The research will involve both invertebrate and vertebrate biological models to validate the technology and address existing limitations in studying the effects of aging on cellular function. This innovative approach could lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying age-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical insights into the biological processes of aging and Alzheimer's disease, potentially leading to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using high-sensitivity mass spectrometry for proteomics is established, the specific application of SCeMaS in studying aging and Alzheimer's disease is innovative and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nemes, Peter — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Nemes, Peter
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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.