How cells control amyloid-like protein clumps
Elucidating the regulation and function of amyloid-like assemblies
Researchers are studying how cells form, reverse, and clear amyloid-like protein clumps that are linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11189603 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses baker's yeast as a model to learn how cells regulate proteins that can form amyloid-like clumps. The team studies a yeast protein called Rim4 to map biochemical steps—such as multi-site phosphorylation—that switch clumped proteins back into harmless forms. Methods include molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell imaging to follow assembly and clearance of these structures. The goal is to reveal basic cellular pathways that may be shared with human neurons and could point to ways to prevent or remove harmful amyloid in Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This lab-based project does not enroll patients, but people with Alzheimer's or their families interested in donating biospecimens or joining future translational studies would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatments should not expect direct benefit because the research is basic laboratory work in yeast rather than a clinical trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new cellular targets or strategies to prevent or clear amyloid deposits in Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Related yeast and cell-based research has successfully uncovered molecular mechanisms of protein aggregation, though converting those findings into effective Alzheimer's treatments has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berchowitz, Luke E — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Berchowitz, Luke E
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.