How genetic changes cause nerve cell damage in Alzheimer's and related diseases
Genetic Analysis of Neurodegeneration
Researchers are looking at specific genes and cell structures to understand why nerve cells die in Alzheimer's and related disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11333861 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This lab-focused project uses genetically modified fruit flies to mimic key features of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's-related neurodegeneration, then confirms findings in vertebrate models and human brain tissue or patient-derived cells. The team is focused on how the cell's structural protein spectrin and the disease protein alpha-synuclein interact to block the cell's cleanup system (autophagy), which may lead to neuron loss. By mapping these molecular steps, researchers hope to identify points where new drugs could restore normal transport and waste removal in nerve cells. The work combines large-scale genetic screens in flies with targeted experiments in animal models and analyses of human samples.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with Alzheimer's disease, related neurodegenerative disorders, or their families who are willing to provide clinical information or donate tissue or cells for research.
Not a fit: Because this is preclinical laboratory research using animal models and human tissue samples, participants are unlikely to receive direct medical benefit from this grant now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets for drugs that slow or prevent neuron loss in Alzheimer's and related diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies by this team and others have identified genes affecting neurodegeneration and confirmed findings in animal models and human tissue, but translating those discoveries into approved treatments is still in early stages.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feany, Mel B — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Feany, Mel B
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.