How obesity-linked diets switch on a brain protein tied to Alzheimer’s
Molecularly Dissecting How Obesity-Promoting Diets Activate the Neuronal Protein Aggregation Factor MOAG-4/SERF2
Researchers are exploring how diets that cause obesity may switch on a brain protein (MOAG-4/SERF2) that could speed Alzheimer’s-related damage in adults at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138721 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses tiny roundworms (C. elegans), along with supporting studies in mice and human cells, to learn how obesity-promoting diets turn on a protein called MOAG-4/SERF2 in neurons. Scientists will apply single-cell RNA sequencing and targeted genetic experiments to map the molecular chain that raises MOAG-4 during diet-induced obesity. Prior work shows that higher MOAG-4/SERF2 levels cause early protein clumping and behavioral or cognitive decline in worms and mice, so the team aims to pinpoint the exact pathway linking obesity to Alzheimer-like changes. The work is lab-based and does not enroll patients, but it aims to reveal targets for future prevention or treatment approaches for people with obesity-related Alzheimer risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll people, but its results would be most relevant to adults with obesity who are concerned about higher Alzheimer’s risk.
Not a fit: People without obesity or those with non‑Alzheimer forms of dementia are less likely to see direct benefit from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new targets to prevent or slow Alzheimer’s in people whose risk is raised by obesity.
How similar studies have performed: Related animal and cell studies have shown that raising MOAG-4/SERF2 can promote protein aggregation and early behavioral decline, though translating these findings into human treatments remains at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'rourke, Eyleen Jorgelina — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: O'rourke, Eyleen Jorgelina
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.