Investigating how certain proteins affect insulin signaling and cognitive decline in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: WNK1/OSR1 axis in Hippocampal Insulin Signaling, Glucose Metabolism and Age-related Cognitive Dysfunction
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10746867 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the brain affect how our bodies use insulin and manage sugar, which could help us understand why some older adults experience memory problems or Alzheimer's disease, with hopes of finding new ways to support brain health as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $124,175 |
| NIH project number | 5K99AG075161-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10746867 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cognitive decline or those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cognitive impairments not related to aging or Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of specific proteins, WNK1 and OSR1, in the insulin signaling pathways that influence glucose metabolism in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus. The study aims to uncover how disruptions in these pathways may contribute to cognitive decline associated with aging and Alzheimer's disease. By using animal models, the research will explore the mechanisms behind insulin resistance in neurons and its impact on cognitive functions. The findings could lead to new insights into potential therapeutic targets for improving cognitive health in older adults.
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 in aging patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding insulin signaling in relation to cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jaykumar, Ankita Bachhawat — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Jaykumar, Ankita Bachhawat
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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.