Investigating how blood-derived factors from exercise can protect the brain in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Leveraging mouse and human models to investigate neuroprotective effects of blood-derived exerkines in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10901031 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special blood factor called Gpld1 to see how it might help protect the brain and improve brain health, especially for older adults, with the hope of finding new ways to prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,198,947 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG082414-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901031 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have any risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the neuroprotective effects of a specific blood factor, Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Specific Phospholipase D1 (Gpld1), which is linked to the benefits of physical activity on brain health. By using both mouse and human models, the study aims to understand how this factor influences brain function and could potentially lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease. The researchers will analyze how Gpld1 interacts with brain proteins and its overall impact on cognitive health in older adults. This approach seeks to uncover novel mechanisms that could support the aging brain and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neuroprotective effects of exercise-related factors, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Casaletto, Kaitlin B — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Casaletto, Kaitlin B
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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.