How a sugar tag called O‑GlcNAc affects brain cell powerhouses in Alzheimer's
O-GLCNAC HOMEOSTASIS REGULATES MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Researchers are looking at whether changes in a sugar-based tag on proteins called O‑GlcNAc change how the energy-making parts of brain cells work in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11228244 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on a tiny sugar modification, O‑GlcNAc, that cells use to respond to nutrients and stress and how it influences mitochondria in Alzheimer's. The team will manipulate the enzymes that add or remove O‑GlcNAc (OGT and OGA) and measure effects on mitochondrial respiration, mitophagy, and signaling linked to neuronal health. Experiments will use disease-relevant cells and models to trace steps from altered O‑GlcNAc levels to mitochondrial dysfunction. The goal is to identify molecular pathways that could become targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease or those at high risk who are willing to provide samples or participate in future translational studies would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate symptom relief or those without Alzheimer's pathology are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new molecular targets to protect brain cells and slow or prevent Alzheimer's progression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have linked O‑GlcNAc to mitochondrial function and some neuroprotective effects, but applying this mechanism specifically to Alzheimer’s progression is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Kansas City, United States
- University of Kansas Medical Center — Kansas City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Slawson, Chad Eric — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Slawson, Chad Eric
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.