Investigating how aging affects neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's
Official title: Lifespan extension, Somatotropic signaling and Tauopathy
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10840329 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging affects brain diseases like Alzheimer's, using mice to find out if certain signals in the body can help slow down or prevent these conditions in older adults, with the hope of discovering new treatments that could help 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 | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $185,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG082327-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10840329 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are elderly individuals, particularly those at risk for or diagnosed with tauopathies such as Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have any neurodegenerative diseases may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the relationship between aging and tauopathies, which are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by abnormal tau protein accumulation in the brain. By using mouse models that mimic slow aging and tauopathy, the study aims to explore the somatotropic signaling pathways that may influence the onset of these diseases in older adults. The goal is to identify potential new therapeutic strategies that could delay or prevent the progression of tauopathies in the aging population. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to innovative treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in exploring aging-related mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Liou — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Sun, Liou
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.