Investigating how cilia and melanin-concentrating hormone receptors affect Alzheimer's disease
Official title: The role of ciliary melanin-concentrating hormone receptors in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Chapman University · NIH-10711269 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny structures in our cells, called primary cilia, and certain receptors might affect memory problems in Alzheimer's disease, using mice to see if targeting these areas can help improve their thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Chapman University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orange, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $381,500 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HL147311-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10711269 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with early to late-stage Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of primary cilia and melanin-concentrating hormone receptors in Alzheimer's disease. By examining mouse models of Alzheimer's, the study aims to understand how changes in cilia structure and function may influence cognitive deficits associated with the disease. The researchers will investigate whether targeting these receptors can improve memory and cognitive function in affected mice. This approach combines expertise from two laboratories to provide a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between cilia and Alzheimer's pathology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the investigation of cilia in Alzheimer's is relatively novel, similar approaches in other neurological disorders have shown promise.
Where this research is happening
-
Chapman University
Orange, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nauli, Surya — Chapman University
- Study coordinator: Nauli, Surya
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.