How cells keep calcium levels balanced
Deciphering Molecular Mechanisms of Calcium Homeostasis
Researchers are using a tiny worm model to learn how changes in cellular calcium tied to presenilin may lead to nerve cell damage in people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albany Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11192831 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses the microscopic worm C. elegans because it carries a version of the human presenilin protein to examine calcium movement between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. They modify the worm presenilin gene (SEL-12) and measure mitochondrial calcium, energy use, protein folding, and signs of neuron damage. The work combines genetic manipulations, biological assays, and behavioral tests in worms to identify processes that keep calcium in balance. Results are meant to point to molecular steps that could be targeted in future Alzheimer's therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although the project uses lab models and does not enroll people, the findings would most directly interest people living with Alzheimer's disease or those with genetic risk for early-onset forms.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatments, those with unrelated medical conditions, or patients looking to join a clinical trial will not directly benefit from this lab-based work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular targets to prevent calcium-driven neuron damage and help guide development of new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies have linked presenilin and calcium dysregulation to neurodegeneration, but translating these basic findings into effective human therapies has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
Albany, United States
- Albany Medical College — Albany, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Norman, Kenneth R — Albany Medical College
- Study coordinator: Norman, Kenneth R
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.