Exploring how increasing a specific protein modification may help in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Investigating the effects of increasing O-GlcNAcylation in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11001766 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein change might help protect the brain from problems related to Alzheimer's disease, using a rat model to see if boosting this change can slow down the disease's progression and potentially lead to new treatments for people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,264 |
| NIH project number | 1F99NS139543-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001766 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease or those in the early stages of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those who do not exhibit early pathological markers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of O-GlcNAcylation, a type of protein modification, in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. By using a rat model that mimics early pathological changes seen in Alzheimer's patients, the study aims to understand how increasing O-GlcNAcylation can prevent harmful processes like hyperphosphorylation of Tau and amyloid-beta accumulation. The researchers will employ various techniques, including immunohistochemistry, to analyze the effects of this modification on brain health and disease progression. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic strategies that could slow down the advancement of Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and improve the quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting O-GlcNAcylation as a therapeutic approach in Alzheimer's disease, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garcia, Melissa L — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Garcia, Melissa L
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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.