Investigating how misfolded proteins in the eyes may influence Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Seeding activity of misfolded Abeta in eyes of Alzheimer's disease patients
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11053986 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how misfolded proteins in the eyes of people with Alzheimer's might affect the disease's progression, and it aims to find out if common eye surgeries could play a role in this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $429,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG080592-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053986 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who may have undergone or are considering eye surgeries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or those who have not had any eye-related medical procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the potential link between misfolded amyloid beta (Aβ) proteins found in the eyes of Alzheimer's disease patients and the progression of the disease. The study aims to characterize the properties of these misfolded proteins and assess their ability to induce further amyloid accumulation in the brain through animal models. By examining the effects of ocular exposure to Aβ, the research seeks to understand whether common eye surgeries could inadvertently contribute to Alzheimer's pathology. This could provide crucial insights into the mechanisms of disease transmission and progression in Alzheimer's patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights on how to prevent or mitigate the progression of Alzheimer's disease related to eye health.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of linking ocular health to Alzheimer's disease is relatively novel, there have been indications in other studies that similar mechanisms of protein transmission exist in different contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morales, Rodrigo — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Morales, Rodrigo
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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.