Investigating how gut bacteria affect Alzheimer's disease through brain signaling
Official title: Dark GPCR signaling underlying the Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-10719150 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might affect brain health, especially in people with Alzheimer's disease, to find new ways to help improve memory and thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,344,291 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS133812-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10719150 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who are interested in novel therapeutic approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurological conditions or those not diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between gut bacteria and Alzheimer's disease by focusing on how gut-derived substances influence brain signaling pathways. Using advanced technologies, the study aims to identify specific gut microbial markers that could help understand the progression of Alzheimer's and related dementias. By employing patient-derived stem cells and animal models, researchers will analyze the effects of gut metabolites on cognitive functions. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new microbiome-targeted therapies for Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that harness the power of gut bacteria to improve cognitive health in Alzheimer's patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the microbiome's role in neurological conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Feixiong — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Feixiong
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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.