Investigating how brain activity affects the formation of toxic proteins in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Synaptic activity-driven Abeta generation and aggregation
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11072981 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain activity affects the production of harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease, using awake mice to see how different levels of brain activity influence these proteins, which could help us understand more about what happens in the brains of people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $675,005 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG084717-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072981 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease or those exhibiting early signs of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those who do not exhibit any cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between synaptic activity in the brain and the generation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) proteins, which are known to form toxic aggregates in Alzheimer's disease. By using advanced technology to measure Aβ levels in real-time in awake mice, the study aims to understand how different levels of brain activity influence the production and aggregation of these proteins. The researchers will focus on identifying which types of neurons are responsible for Aβ production during varying synaptic activities, providing insights into the physiological processes that contribute to Alzheimer's pathology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting the mechanisms of Aβ aggregation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of amyloid-beta in Alzheimer's disease, but this specific approach using real-time monitoring in live subjects is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cirrito, John R — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Cirrito, John R
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.