Investigating how a specific protein modification affects brain cell function in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: O-GIcNAc regulation of mitochondrial function in astrocytes inneuroinflammatory Alzheimer's disease mouse model
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10887729 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein change in brain support cells called astrocytes might affect brain health in Alzheimer's disease, with the hope that it could lead to new treatments to help improve brain function for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $406,817 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG081687-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887729 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 at risk for developing it.
✕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 focuses on understanding the role of a protein modification called O-GlcNAcylation in the function of astrocytes, which are crucial brain cells that support neurons. By studying a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, the researchers aim to uncover how mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation are linked to this protein modification. The approach involves examining the effects of decreased O-GlcNAcase activity on astrocytic metabolism and mitochondrial function, which may provide insights into the disease's progression and potential therapeutic targets. Patients may benefit from findings that could lead to new treatments aimed at improving brain cell function in Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve brain cell function and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's, but this specific approach focusing on O-GlcNAcylation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Jianhua — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Jianhua
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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.