Identifying molecular regulators in the human hippocampus related to aging and Alzheimer's Disease
Official title: New technologies to identify molecular regulators of the human hippocampus neurogenic niche in healthy aging and Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · NIH-11052572 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how new brain cells are made in a part of the brain called the hippocampus, especially as we age and in people with Alzheimer's, to help us understand how this process affects memory and emotions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $785,762 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG076949-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052572 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults aged 65 and above, particularly those with or at risk for Alzheimer's Disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those with conditions unrelated to neurogenesis or cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how new neurons are generated in the human hippocampus, particularly in the context of healthy aging and Alzheimer's Disease. It aims to understand the role of neural progenitor cells and their differentiation into neurons or glial cells, which is crucial for maintaining cognitive and emotional functions. By using advanced technologies, the study will analyze proteins and genes at both regional and single-cell levels to compare healthy aging individuals with those affected by Alzheimer's Disease. This could provide insights into the mechanisms underlying neurogenesis and its decline in aging and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to enhance neurogenesis and improve cognitive function in older adults and those with Alzheimer's Disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding neurogenesis in animal models, but this approach in humans is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boldrini, Maura — New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
- Study coordinator: Boldrini, Maura
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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.