How cells package and move proteins that affect brain health in Alzheimer's
Molecular mechanisms of coat assembly and regulation in membrane trafficking pathways
Finding how cells package and move proteins that can affect brain cells in Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322716 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research looks at the tiny protein 'coats' cells use to package and send protein-filled bubbles between cell compartments, processes important for brain cell health. Scientists use purified proteins, biochemical experiments, and structural methods such as X-ray crystallography to see how coat complexes (including COPI and retromer-related complexes) form and select cargo. They also examine accessory and regulatory proteins and the membrane-fusion machinery to learn how these systems are controlled. The work is done in the lab to reveal basic mechanisms that may connect to changes seen in Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is lab-based basic research at Vanderbilt that does not enroll patients or require volunteers.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate new treatments or clinical care are unlikely to benefit directly, because the project focuses on molecular mechanisms in the lab.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new molecular targets for drugs or other therapies that protect brain cells in Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier work linking trafficking proteins like retromer to Alzheimer's has shown promise, but many coat complexes remain less studied so this work extends prior findings into new mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jackson, Lauren Parker — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Jackson, Lauren Parker
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.