Investigating how a protein related to Alzheimer's affects cell energy and waste management
Official title: Relationships between APP and Mitochondria
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11009578 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called APP helps clean up damaged parts of cells to keep them healthy and produce energy, which is important for understanding problems in Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $630,402 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG078186-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009578 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those exhibiting early signs of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the process of mitophagy, which is the removal of damaged mitochondria from cells, and its impact on energy production in cells. The researchers hypothesize that APP interacts with specific proteins to facilitate this process and that a reduction in APP can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, which is a significant issue in Alzheimer's disease. By studying these interactions, the research aims to uncover how APP influences cellular health and energy metabolism, potentially leading to new insights into Alzheimer's disease mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve mitochondrial function and energy metabolism in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between APP and mitochondrial function, indicating that this area of study has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilkins, Heather M. — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wilkins, Heather M.
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.