Investigating how mitochondrial Complex I deficiency affects Alzheimer's disease and dementia
Official title: Role of mitochondrial Complex I deficiency in Alzheimer disease and dementia
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10790090 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a problem with a part of our cells called mitochondrial Complex I might be linked to Alzheimer's disease and dementia, using specially modified mice to see how this issue affects the buildup of a protein related to Alzheimer's, with the goal of finding new ways to help treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $311,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AG084940-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10790090 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with a family history or genetic predisposition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without any genetic risk factors for the condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between mitochondrial Complex I deficiency and the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia. The study aims to understand how this deficiency may lead to increased neuroinflammation and protein aggregation, which are key features of AD. Researchers will use genetically modified mice to examine the effects of Complex I deficiency on amyloid beta protein accumulation, a hallmark of Alzheimer's. By identifying these mechanisms, the research hopes to shed light on potential new targets for treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Polster, Brian M — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Polster, Brian M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating how DNA damage and repair mechanisms are altered in ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
This study is looking at how problems with DNA repair might contribute to conditions like ALS and frontotemporal dementia, and it’s testing ways to fix these issues in cells from patients to help develop new treatments.
-
Synthetic protein mimetics to treat Lewy Body Dementia
A new therapeutic approach using engineered protein-like molecules to block the harmful protein clumps that cause Lewy Body Dementia.
-
Dementia care staff study: adapting a US survey for use in many countries
A study is adapting and testing a survey for dementia care workers in the US, Brazil, Switzerland, and Ghana to help understand why workers stay in their jobs and how to improve care.
-
Dementia care staff study: adapting a survey for use in many countries
A multinational study will adapt and test a U.S. dementia-care worker survey in Brazil, Switzerland, and Ghana to help understand why staff stay in or leave long-term care settings.
-
Study of Dementia Care Staff in 4 Countries: Adapting Caregiver Surveys Across Cultures
A multinational project will adapt and test a dementia care worker survey so researchers can compare care environments across the US, Brazil, Switzerland, and Ghana.
-
New biomarkers to distinguish LATE from Alzheimer’s disease in dementia
A study to develop blood and CSF tests that can tell apart LATE from Alzheimer’s disease in people with dementia.
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.