Increasing progranulin levels in a brain model of Frontotemporal Dementia
Official title: Upregulation of progranulin in a human iPSC-derived neurovascular model of GRN-associated Frontotemporal Dementia
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10789724 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called progranulin that’s connected to Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) to better understand how different brain cells are involved in the disease and to find ways to boost progranulin levels, which could lead to new treatments that help people with FTD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $460,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG085076-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10789724 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with familial Frontotemporal Dementia, particularly those with known mutations in the progranulin gene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-genetic forms of dementia or those without a family history of Frontotemporal Dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of progranulin, a protein linked to Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), in a human brain model created from induced pluripotent stem cells. The study aims to understand how different cell types contribute to the disease and to explore a method for increasing progranulin levels in these cells. By focusing on the blood-brain barrier and its associated cells, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic strategies that could help mitigate the effects of FTD. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the disease mechanisms and potential treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve outcomes for patients with Frontotemporal Dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting progranulin levels in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Almeida, Sandra — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Almeida, Sandra
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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.