Exploring a MicroRNA's Role in Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's tauopathy phenotype and the microRNA22-3p: implication for pathogenesis
This project looks at how a tiny molecule called microRNA22-3p might contribute to Alzheimer's disease, which causes memory and thinking problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11134610 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Alzheimer's disease is marked by abnormal clumps of a protein called tau in the brain, and we don't yet know why most cases happen or how to stop them. This project focuses on small molecules called microRNAs, which are known to play a role in brain cell health. We've found that a specific microRNA, microRNA22-3p, increases in the brains of mice with tauopathy and in human brain samples from people with tauopathy. We want to understand if this microRNA causes the disease or is a result of it, and how it affects the brain. By understanding these mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to fight Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not currently involve patient recruitment for direct participation.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments will not directly benefit from this early-stage research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover new ways to prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease by targeting specific microRNAs.
How similar studies have performed: While microRNAs are known to be involved in neurodegeneration, this specific age-dependent increase of microRNA22-3p at an early stage of tauopathy is a novel finding being further explored.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Temple Univ of the Commonwealth — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pratico, Domenico — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Pratico, Domenico
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.