Investigating how a specific DNA polymerase affects aging and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Role of Y-family DNA polymerase Pol kappa in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-11199655 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein called Pol kappa helps keep brain cells healthy by fixing DNA damage as we age, especially in the context of Alzheimer's disease, to better understand how we can support brain health in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $166,800 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AG081828-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11199655 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults or individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease who may benefit from advancements in understanding DNA repair mechanisms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or those who do not exhibit age-related cognitive decline may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of Y-family DNA polymerase Pol kappa in maintaining genomic stability in neurons, particularly as they age and in the context of Alzheimer's disease. The study will explore how Pol kappa helps repair DNA damage that accumulates over time, which is crucial for the health of neurons. By examining the behavior and localization of Pol kappa in the brains of mice, the researchers aim to uncover its impact on neuronal maintenance and its potential implications for age-related neurodegenerative conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how to protect neurons from age-related damage, potentially improving outcomes for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of Pol kappa in neurons is not well-studied, research on DNA repair mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases has shown promising results in understanding cellular aging.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paul, Shilpi — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Paul, Shilpi
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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.