How aging and disease affect gene expression in a specific brain region related to Alzheimer's.
Official title: Impact of neuromelanin and Tau accumulation during aging and disease on local gene expression in the human locus coeruleus using spatially-resolved transcriptomics with protein detection
Funded at Lieber Institute, INC. · NIH-11082535 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in a part of the brain that helps with mood and attention change as people get older and develop Alzheimer's disease, so we can better understand how these changes affect thinking and feelings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lieber Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $830,805 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG085933-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082535 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or exhibiting early signs of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have any signs of neurodegenerative diseases are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of neuromelanin and tau protein accumulation in the locus coeruleus, a brain region crucial for producing norepinephrine, as people age and develop Alzheimer's disease. By analyzing brain tissue from individuals with Alzheimer's and comparing it to that of middle-aged and elderly neurotypical individuals, the study aims to create detailed maps of gene expression and protein localization. This approach will help understand how these changes in the brain contribute to cognitive decline and mood disorders associated with aging and neurodegeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and potentially identify targets for therapeutic intervention.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of tau protein and neuromelanin in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Lieber Institute, INC.
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinowich, Keri — Lieber Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Martinowich, Keri
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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.