Double-stranded RNA and neuron death in Alzheimer's and related disorders
Official title: Double-stranded RNA in neuronal cell death in Alzheimer's and related neurodegenerative diseases
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11309681 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at whether buildup of double-stranded RNA in brain cells triggers immune reactions that kill neurons in people with Alzheimer's, ALS, or frontotemporal dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $776,876 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG085307-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11309681 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, ALS, or frontotemporal dementia who can provide clinical information, donate tissue through a brain donation program, or join related observational cohorts.
✕Less likely to help
People without neurodegenerative disease or those seeking immediate treatment are unlikely to benefit directly because this is lab-based research focused on disease mechanisms rather than a therapy.
What this research studies
They will examine brain tissue from people with Alzheimer's and related dementias and run lab experiments in cells and animal models to see where and why double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) accumulates. The team will use tools such as AAV-based viral vectors to change levels of TDP-43 and dsRNA in neurons and glial cells and then measure inflammatory signals and cell death. Researchers will map molecular steps both upstream (what causes dsRNA to build up) and downstream (how dsRNA leads to dysfunction) of this process. The goal is to identify specific molecules or pathways that could be targeted by future treatments to protect brain cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new drug targets to prevent immune-driven neuron loss and eventually slow or stop progression of Alzheimer's and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Prior laboratory studies have linked TDP-43 dysfunction and dsRNA accumulation to inflammation and cell death in models, but turning those findings into patient treatments is still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Link, Christopher D. — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Link, Christopher D.
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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.