How Alzheimer's Disease affects stress response through specific brain neurons
Official title: Direct activation of CRF neurons by Abeta disrupts the stress response in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11057216 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress affects people with Alzheimer's Disease by exploring certain brain cells that control a hormone related to stress, hoping to find out why some patients experience anxiety and depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $429,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG086907-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057216 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease who are experiencing anxiety or depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Alzheimer's Disease who do not exhibit neuropsychiatric symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and the stress response by focusing on specific neurons that regulate cortisol release. It aims to understand how the mis-regulation of Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) signaling in the brain contributes to mood disturbances such as anxiety and depression in AD patients. Using a novel mouse model, researchers will examine the effects of disease-causing mutations on CRF neuron activity and related behaviors. The findings could provide insights into the neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with Alzheimer's Disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to manage mood disturbances in Alzheimer's Disease patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's Disease can lead to meaningful improvements, suggesting this approach has potential.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Justice, Nicholas J — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Justice, Nicholas J
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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.