Investigating how lipid metabolism and cellular transport issues contribute to certain types of dementia.
Official title: Endolysosomal trafficking and lipid metabolism defects in FTLD
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11291683 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gene called GRN and its protein, Progranulin, might affect brain diseases like Alzheimer's and frontotemporal lobar degeneration, using specially modified mice to see how a lack of Progranulin can cause inflammation and brain cell damage, which could help find new ways to treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $630,193 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AG081452-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11291683 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults with genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease or frontotemporal lobar degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without genetic predispositions to these neurodegenerative conditions or those with other unrelated forms of dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the GRN gene and its associated protein, Progranulin, in neurodegenerative diseases like frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and Alzheimer's disease. By studying genetically modified mice, the researchers aim to uncover how deficiencies in Progranulin lead to inflammation and neuronal cell death, particularly in aging brains. The study employs advanced techniques such as lipidomics to analyze how lipid transport and metabolism are affected in these conditions, which could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve brain health and slow the progression of dementia-related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of lipid metabolism in neurodegeneration, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Eric J — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Huang, Eric J
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.