Investigating early factors of Alzheimer's disease using neurons from patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Official title: Age-equivalent neurons from MCI patients to investigate early determinants of AD
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11164725 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how early changes in brain cells from people with mild cognitive impairment might lead to Alzheimer's disease, so we can better understand the condition and find ways to help those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $763,328 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG085634-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11164725 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have mild cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the early determinants of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by using neurons derived from patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The team will convert patient fibroblasts into induced neurons, which retain characteristics of aging and AD, allowing researchers to study the cellular mechanisms that lead to MCI and its progression to AD. By examining these patient-specific neurons, the research aims to identify key molecular pathways influenced by genetic and biological factors that contribute to the onset of AD. This approach offers a unique model to explore the disease in a way that reflects the actual patient experience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that halt or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using patient-derived neurons to study neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mertens, Jerome S. — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Mertens, Jerome S.
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.