Investigating how age affects the brain's ability to clear harmful proteins in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Targeting age-related endosome dysfunction to treat cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-11129690 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects the brain's ability to clear out harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease, and it aims to find new ways to help the brain remove these proteins better, which could lead to better treatments for people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $191,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG085586-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129690 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-onset Alzheimer's or those without cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how aging contributes to the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It examines the decline in the brain's ability to remove damaged proteins, particularly tau, which accumulates in neurons and is linked to cognitive decline. The researchers aim to enhance the formation of endosomes, which are crucial for clearing these proteins, using a viral vector approach. By studying both human neurons and mouse models, they hope to uncover new therapeutic strategies to combat AD and related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve cognitive function and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting protein clearance mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lark, Daniel — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Lark, Daniel
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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.