How alcohol affects the connection between the liver and brain in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Modulation of the liver-brain axis by alcohol and its impact on Alzheimers disease pathology
Funded at Keck Graduate Inst of Applied Life Scis · NIH-10885921 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking alcohol over a long time might affect both the liver and the brain, especially in relation to Alzheimer's disease, to help us understand how liver changes could lead to more amyloid-beta buildup in the brain and possibly worsen the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Keck Graduate Inst of Applied Life Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Claremont, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $375,519 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG072896-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10885921 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of chronic alcohol use who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol and have no risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of chronic alcohol consumption on the liver-brain axis and its role in promoting Alzheimer's disease pathology. It aims to understand how changes in liver function, particularly the reduction of a receptor that clears amyloid-beta, can influence the accumulation of this protein in the brain. Additionally, the study examines how liver-secreted factors, like tumor necrosis factor-alpha, may alter the blood-brain barrier and contribute to Alzheimer's disease progression. By using transgenic mouse models, the research seeks to uncover new mechanisms linking alcohol intake to Alzheimer's pathology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease in individuals with a history of alcohol consumption.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of linking liver function and Alzheimer's disease through alcohol is novel, related studies have shown success in understanding the impact of liver health on brain conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Keck Graduate Inst of Applied Life Scis
Claremont, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Derick S — Keck Graduate Inst of Applied Life Scis
- Study coordinator: Han, Derick S
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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.