How Lamp1 and lipid transport control cell waste recycling
The role of Lamp1 and lipid transport in the regulation of vesicle identity
Researchers want to learn how a protein called Lamp1 and the movement of fats inside cells affect the cell's waste-disposal system linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, which is especially relevant for older adults at risk for these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11260209 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses fruit flies to study a protein called Lamp1 that is similar to human LAMP1/2 and helps control lysosomes, the cell's recycling centers. Scientists will compare normal and Lamp1-deficient flies to look at lysosome acidity, lipid buildup (like cholesterol), and how cells clear damaged proteins. They will use genetic tools, microscopy, and biochemical analyses to track changes in organelle identity and lipid transport. Findings will be related to known connections between lysosomal dysfunction and age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is most relevant to older adults and people at higher risk for Alzheimer’s (for example, APOE ε4 carriers) who are concerned about age-related neurodegeneration.
Not a fit: People whose conditions are unrelated to lysosomal or lipid-handling problems (for example, purely vascular cognitive impairment) are less likely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new cellular targets or pathways to prevent or slow toxic protein buildup in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies in flies and mammalian cells have linked LAMP proteins and lipid handling to lysosomal function, but applying these insights toward human treatments remains at an early, preclinical stage.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jenny, Andreas — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Jenny, Andreas
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.