Investigating a pathway to improve brain health in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Targeting the ANG/TIE2 pathway to treat Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Funded at Jackson Laboratory · NIH-10739485 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $480,536 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG083891-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10739485 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who may benefit from improved blood-brain barrier function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurodegenerative conditions or those without cognitive impairment may not receive any benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Jackson Laboratory
Bar Harbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Howell, Gareth R — Jackson Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Howell, Gareth R
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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.