Improving brain cell health to protect against Alzheimer's disease

Enhancing Synaptic Autophagy for Neuroprotection in Alzheimer's disease

NIH-funded research Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11039133

This study is looking at how a process that helps clean up damaged proteins in brain cells is affected by Alzheimer's disease, and it hopes to find ways to boost this cleanup process to protect brain cells in mice with Alzheimer's, which could lead to new treatments for the disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11039133 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of autophagy, a process that helps clear damaged proteins in brain cells, in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It aims to understand how Alzheimer's disrupts this process and whether enhancing autophagy can protect brain cells in a mouse model of AD. The study will use various scientific techniques, including genetic manipulation and behavioral assessments, to explore these questions. By focusing on specific proteins involved in autophagy, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic strategies for AD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia or neurological disorders unrelated to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help preserve cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing autophagy as a therapeutic strategy in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Newark, 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.