Fluorescent sensors to visualize oxidative stress in Alzheimer's
Official title: Fluorescent Redox Indicators to Image Oxidative Stress in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11321239 · Data updated 2026-11-12
They are creating tiny fluorescent sensors that light up where harmful oxidative stress happens in Alzheimer's models so researchers can see when and where damage occurs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $524,596 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG077773-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11321239 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This project does not enroll patients; it focuses on developing and testing sensors in mouse models and laboratory imaging rather than recruiting human volunteers.
✕Less likely to help
People seeking direct treatment, clinical care, or trial participation will not receive direct benefit from this lab-focused project.
What this research studies
A team at the University of Virginia will build and refine genetically encoded fluorescent redox indicators that glow in response to oxidative stress. They will optimize two imaging approaches—intensity-based ratiometric and fluorescence lifetime imaging—and test those sensors in Alzheimer's mouse models as the disease progresses and after interventions. The work aims to map patterns of oxidative damage in the brain to give researchers clearer, real-time pictures of a process linked to neuron loss. This is a lab and animal-based project rather than a trial enrolling people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these tools could help researchers spot oxidative damage earlier and speed development of new Alzheimer's treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Related fluorescent redox probes have been used successfully in cells and some animal studies, but applying optimized genetically encoded indicators specifically to Alzheimer's mouse models for ratiometric and lifetime imaging is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ai, Huiwang — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Ai, Huiwang
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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.