Investigating a pathway to improve brain health in Alzheimer's disease
Targeting the ANG/TIE2 pathway to treat Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
This study is looking at how a specific pathway in the body can help protect the blood-brain barrier and keep blood vessels healthy in people with Alzheimer's and similar conditions, with the hope that it can help maintain brain function and improve thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jackson Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bar Harbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10739485 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the Angiopoietin/TIE2 pathway affects the blood-brain barrier and blood vessel health in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By exploring this pathway, the researchers aim to prevent damage to the blood-brain barrier, which is crucial for maintaining brain function. The study will involve manipulating this pathway to see if it can enhance the integrity of the blood-brain barrier and improve cerebrovascular health. Patients may be involved in trials that assess the effectiveness of this approach in preserving cognitive function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who may benefit from improved blood-brain barrier function.
Not a fit: Patients with non-neurodegenerative conditions or those without cognitive impairment may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that protect brain health and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success in targeting the ANG/TIE2 pathway for improving vascular health in other conditions, but this specific application in Alzheimer's disease is novel.
Where this research is happening
Bar Harbor, United States
- Jackson Laboratory — Bar Harbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Howell, Gareth R — Jackson Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Howell, Gareth R
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.