Exploring how brain cell connections work and their role in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Investigating pathways of hippocampal synaptic funtion: potential implications for Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11083723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called GDE2 to understand how it affects brain cell connections and the harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AG079539-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083723 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk for developing it, particularly adults over the age of 21.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or neurological disorders unrelated to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind Alzheimer's disease, focusing on a protein called GDE2 that affects brain cell connections and the production of harmful proteins associated with the disease. By studying how GDE2 functions in the brain, the research aims to uncover its role in synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration seen in Alzheimer's patients. The approach includes analyzing brain tissue from individuals with Alzheimer's to understand how GDE2's behavior changes in the disease state compared to healthy brains. This could lead to new insights into potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting the underlying molecular mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Daudelin, Daniel — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Daudelin, Daniel
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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.