Investigating how changes in cardiolipin affect Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Cardiolipin Remodeling in Alzheimer’s Disease
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11076323 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special fat in our cells, called cardiolipin, might play a role in Alzheimer's disease as we age, and it’s trying to find ways to help keep our brains healthy by focusing on a specific enzyme that affects this fat.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $332,281 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081422-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076323 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are at risk for or have early signs of Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of cardiolipin, a crucial phospholipid in mitochondria, in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It focuses on how aging leads to bioenergetic dysfunction in the brain, which is linked to AD. The study examines a specific enzyme, ALCAT1, that alters cardiolipin composition and contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for mitigating the effects of aging on brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shi, Yuguang — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Shi, Yuguang
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.