How antibody sugar patterns relate to Alzheimer's disease
Deciphering the IgG glycosylation code of Alzheimer's Disease
Looking at whether sugar tags on antibodies are linked to Alzheimer's disease in people with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308247 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We will examine the sugar molecules attached to IgG antibodies using blood samples from people with Alzheimer's and compare them to samples from people without dementia. The team will use lab methods that keep sugars attached to the antibody so they can map which exact sugar patterns appear on each antibody molecule. Researchers will compare these patterns with disease features and progression to see if specific antibody sugar signatures match symptoms or decline. The goal is to find immune-related markers that could help guide diagnosis or future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia who can provide blood samples and medical history are the best candidates.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or those unable or unwilling to give blood samples are unlikely to directly benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to blood-based markers or immune-targeted approaches that help diagnose or treat Alzheimer's earlier.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked antibody glycosylation to Alzheimer's and other diseases, but this project applies newer methods to map glycan patterns more precisely and is partly novel.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sundberg, Eric John — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Sundberg, Eric John
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.