Exploring the role of chondroitin sulfate in brain health and disease
Official title: Chemical approaches to understanding chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans and their roles in brain plasticity and pathology
Funded at California Institute of Technology · NIH-11105859 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special molecules in the brain called chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans (CS GAGs) to see how their different structures can help with memory and healing, which could lead to better treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and help the brain recover from injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pasadena, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $641,202 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG087519-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11105859 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, as well as younger patients experiencing brain injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurological conditions or those not affected by brain plasticity issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans (CS GAGs), which are important molecules in the brain that influence development, immunity, and recovery from injuries. The project aims to understand how different chemical structures of CS GAGs affect brain functions such as memory and healing. By using advanced chemical techniques, researchers will identify specific roles of these molecules in brain plasticity and neuroinflammation, potentially leading to new treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Patients may benefit from insights that could improve therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and enhance brain repair mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for enhancing brain repair and treating neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the roles of glycosaminoglycans in brain function, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hsieh-Wilson, Linda C — California Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Hsieh-Wilson, Linda C
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.