Investigating how a protein affects brain cell death in Alzheimer's disease
Role of mitochondrial GDAP1 in Alzheimer's disease
This study is looking at a protein called GDAP1 to see how it interacts with harmful substances in the brains of people with Alzheimer's, which could help us understand why brain cells get damaged and how we might protect them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11076289 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a protein called GDAP1 in the context of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers will explore how GDAP1 interacts with a toxic compound that accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, potentially leading to neuron damage. By studying brain samples from patients and using advanced techniques, the team aims to uncover the mechanisms behind mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in Alzheimer's. This could provide insights into why neurons die and how to protect them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients with other types 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 strategies for protecting brain cells in Alzheimer's patients, potentially slowing disease progression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's, but this specific approach focusing on GDAP1 is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kiselyov, Kirill — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Kiselyov, Kirill
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.