How cell communication affects brain activity in conditions like Alzheimer's
Lysosomal control of plasma membrane -endoplasmic reticulum membrane contacts regulates neuronal excitability
This project explores how tiny parts inside our brain cells communicate and manage cholesterol, which could help us understand diseases like Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11115761 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells have tiny compartments called lysosomes that act like control centers, managing important functions like metabolism and calcium levels. A key way lysosomes work is by moving cholesterol with another cell part called the endoplasmic reticulum, using a protein called NPC1. When NPC1 doesn't work correctly, cholesterol builds up, leading to severe brain disorders like Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC) disease, which causes seizures and dementia. This project aims to understand how problems with NPC1 and cholesterol movement lead to brain cell overactivity and damage, which could also be relevant to Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients living with neurodegenerative conditions such as Niemann-Pick Type C disease or Alzheimer's disease may ultimately benefit from the insights gained from this fundamental research.
Not a fit: Patients without neurodegenerative conditions linked to lysosomal or cholesterol dysfunction would likely not receive direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Successfully understanding these cellular processes could lead to new ways to treat or prevent neurodegenerative diseases by targeting how brain cells communicate and manage cholesterol.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific link between lysosomal control of membrane contacts and neuronal excitability is being explored, the research builds upon the group's own recent findings regarding NPC1 dysfunction.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dickson, Eamonn James — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Dickson, Eamonn James
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.