How prions and Alzheimer proteins damage brain nerve connections
Mechanisms of Prion Spread and Neuronal Toxicity
Researchers are looking at how prion and Alzheimer-linked proteins harm the tiny connections between brain cells, which could help people with Alzheimer's disease or prion disorders in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11286828 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This lab-based work studies why synapses (the connections between nerve cells) break down when prion or amyloid-β proteins are present. Scientists use prion-infected mice, cultured neurons, electrophysiology, advanced microscopy, and protein analysis to track how protein clearance pathways fail and how that leads to synaptic damage. The team focuses on the ESCRT pathway and related proteins that normally remove damaged membrane proteins from synapses. Findings aim to map the chain of events from abnormal proteins to synapse loss so treatments can be developed later.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by Alzheimer’s disease or prion disorders, or their caregivers, may be interested in these findings even though the work is preclinical.
Not a fit: Because this is basic laboratory research in mice and cells, it does not offer direct treatment or immediate clinical benefit to patients today.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new ways to protect synapses and slow or prevent memory loss in Alzheimer’s and prion diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies have shown links between protein clearance problems and synapse damage, but translating those findings into human treatments has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sigurdson, Christina — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Sigurdson, Christina
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.