How the ACE enzyme may drive brain damage in Alzheimer’s
Mechanisms of Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme in Alzheimer's disease
This work looks at whether a change in the ACE enzyme can cause brain cell loss and memory problems in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11456937 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You should know this project uses mice engineered to carry a human ACE gene change linked to familial Alzheimer's to study how the enzyme affects brain cells and memory. The mice show hippocampal neurodegeneration, inflammation, abnormal EEG signals, and memory problems that were prevented in mice by common blood-pressure drugs (ACE inhibitors and ARBs). The team is examining how ACE and angiotensin signaling trigger cell death and how amyloid and other 'second hits' make the damage worse. Findings may point to repurposing approved blood-pressure medicines or to biomarkers that identify people at higher risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease or a strong family history of early-onset Alzheimer's, especially those known to carry ACE gene changes or with indicators of elevated ACE activity, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or whose disease is driven by non-ACE mechanisms may not receive direct benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could support using existing ACE inhibitor or ARB drugs to slow or prevent brain cell loss in some people with Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Observational studies and animal experiments have suggested links between ACE/angiotensin signaling and dementia risk and hint that ACE inhibitors/ARBs may lower risk, but definitive clinical proof is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vassar, Robert J — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Vassar, Robert J
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.