How brain cells move and shape their waste-removal parts in Alzheimer's
Moving and shaping neuronal lysosomes in Alzheimer's Disease
This project looks at how tiny waste-removing parts inside nerve cells (lysosomes) move and work in people with Alzheimer's disease to help find ways to protect brain cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252302 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on the parts of neurons that clear waste (lysosomes) and how they are positioned and remodeled across the long, polarized shape of brain cells, especially near amyloid plaques seen in Alzheimer's. The team will study scaffold proteins called JIP3 and JIP4 that link lysosomes to molecular motors and signaling machinery, using molecular, cellular, and neuronal experimental approaches. They will map differences in how these proteins act in different parts of the neuron and test ways to change lysosome behavior in cells and models. The work aims to develop tools and knowledge that could later be used to modulate neuronal lysosomes for scientific and therapeutic purposes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or Alzheimer's-type dementia, particularly those in early stages or willing to donate tissue or participate in related research, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's pathology, those with unrelated forms of dementia, or individuals unwilling or unable to provide samples or travel to the research site are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal ways to adjust lysosome movement and function that protect neurons and potentially slow Alzheimer's-related damage.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and animal studies suggest that altering lysosomal pathways can affect amyloid-related problems, but translating these findings into proven treatments for people remains unproven and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferguson, Shawn — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Ferguson, Shawn
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.