Investigating how brain signaling molecules can extend lifespan and prevent Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Reprogramming organismal lifespan through modulation of neuropeptides
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10876237 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain chemicals called neuropeptides might help us understand aging and diseases like Alzheimer's, using a small fish to see if changing these chemicals can improve how long we live and how well our brains work as we get older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $128,493 |
| NIH project number | 5K99AG078499-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10876237 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 experiencing age-related cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-age-related cognitive impairments or those not at risk for neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the potential of neuropeptides, which are signaling molecules in the brain, to influence aging and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. By using a short-lived vertebrate model, the African killifish, the study aims to understand how manipulating these neuropeptides can affect lifespan and cognitive health. The research will involve deleting specific neuropeptides to observe changes in lifespan and healthspan, providing insights into their role in aging and neurodegeneration. This approach could lead to new strategies for preventing age-related cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that extend lifespan and improve cognitive health in aging populations.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of neuropeptides in aging is being explored, this specific approach using the African killifish is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bedbrook, Claire Nicole — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Bedbrook, Claire Nicole
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.