Investigating how different forms of Alzheimer's-related proteins spread in the brain
Official title: Exploring the differential spreading of distinct pathological conformers of AD/LBD-related proteins by combining mathematical modeling and functional study
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10934248 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins linked to Alzheimer's and similar diseases spread in the brain, with the goal of finding new ways to develop treatments that could help people affected by these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $222,445 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG087921-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10934248 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias, particularly those experiencing varying symptoms and disease progression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-Alzheimer's related forms of dementia or those without any neurodegenerative conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the mechanisms behind the spread of pathological proteins associated with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. By combining mathematical modeling with functional studies, the project aims to understand how different conformations of proteins like tau and alpha-synuclein contribute to disease progression. The study will analyze gene expression and its role in the transmission of these proteins across neuronal networks, providing insights into why certain brain regions are more vulnerable to damage. Ultimately, this research seeks to identify new targets for drug development that could help in treating these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that specifically target the mechanisms of Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding protein transmission in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raj, Ashish — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Raj, Ashish
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.