How proteins change in specific brain cells in Alzheimer's

Cell Specific Perturbations of the Proteome in Alzheimer's Disease

NIH-funded research Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11134640

Researchers are mapping protein changes in different brain cell types in people with Alzheimer's to help explain memory loss.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionScripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11134640 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project looks at how proteins change in specific brain cell types from people with Alzheimer’s and older adults without dementia. Scientists use advanced proteomics tools to measure proteins from isolated cell types and synapses, often using donated brain tissue or patient-derived samples. By comparing cell-specific protein patterns, the team aims to find early molecular changes that relate to memory and thinking problems.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal participants are people aged 65 or older with Alzheimer’s disease, or family members willing to provide consent for donation of biological samples or post-mortem brain tissue.

Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's, younger adults, or those unable or unwilling to provide biological samples or tissue donations are unlikely to directly benefit from participating.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biological targets and markers that help detect or treat early Alzheimer's-related synaptic loss.

How similar studies have performed: Broad proteomics work has found Alzheimer's-linked protein changes, but detailed mapping of proteins by specific human brain cell type is a newer approach with limited prior human data.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.