How tiny worms help researchers learn why aging damages nerves
Use of C. elegans as a model to study aging-associated neurodegeneration
Researchers are using a simple worm model to find molecular signals that may cause age-related nerve damage relevant to people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11300965 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a patient, you might want to know why aging makes nerve cells more likely to break down; this project uses the tiny worm C. elegans to hunt for the molecules and genes that trigger that damage. The team will apply genetic and genomic tools to discover what causes older animals to overproduce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and which transcriptional regulators lead to nerve deterioration. Prior work showed AMPs can activate a neuropeptide receptor (NPR) that harms neurites, and related effects were also seen in rat neurons, suggesting the signals may be conserved across species. The researchers aim to reveal conserved mechanisms that could point to future targets for therapies for Alzheimer's and other age-related neurodegenerative conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant supports laboratory research using worms and cell/animal models and does not enroll or require patients for participation.
Not a fit: Because this is basic lab research rather than a clinical trial, patients will not receive direct clinical benefit or experimental treatments from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new molecular targets that eventually lead to treatments slowing or preventing age-related nerve damage in Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Related lab studies, including work in rat cortical neurons, have shown similar molecular effects, but whether targeting these pathways helps human patients remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yan, Dong — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Yan, Dong
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.