How beta‑amyloid affects a brain calcium channel called Cav1.2
Dysregulation of Cav1.2 by beta amyloid peptide
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-11297485
This work looks at whether beta‑amyloid makes a brain calcium channel (Cav1.2) more active in ways that damage nerve cells in Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11297485 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, scientists are using lab experiments and animal models to see how the Alzheimer’s protein beta‑amyloid changes the activity of the Cav1.2 calcium channel in neurons. They will measure calcium signals in dendrites and spines, examine whether channels are moved to the cell surface, and track a key protein mark (phosphorylation at S1928) that can boost channel activity. The team studies how Cav1.2 works together with the beta‑2 adrenergic receptor and uses single‑channel recordings and imaging to follow downstream effects. Results aim to explain how increased calcium entry might lead to neuronal damage in aging and Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment (older adults with progressive memory decline) would be the most relevant candidates for related future human studies.
Not a fit: Patients with non‑Alzheimer's brain disorders or unrelated medical issues are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic lab and animal research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to a specific molecular step that causes harmful calcium entry in Alzheimer's and suggest targets for new treatments to protect neurons.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies have linked beta‑amyloid, beta‑2 adrenergic signaling, and increased Cav1.2 activity, but translating these molecular findings into effective Alzheimer's treatments has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
DAVIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS — DAVIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HELL, JOHANNES W — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- Study coordinator: HELL, JOHANNES W
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.