Investigating how nerve damage occurs in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Understanding the degeneration of axon and nerve terminals in Alzheimer's disease and related dementia brain
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11014079 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Sarm1 affects nerve health and memory in Alzheimer's disease, using mice to see what happens when Sarm1 is missing, with the hope of finding new ways to treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $351,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG079257-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014079 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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cognitive impairment not diagnosed with Alzheimer's or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind nerve terminal degeneration in Alzheimer's disease, which is crucial for developing effective treatments. The study will explore the role of a specific protein, Sarm1, in the loss of synapses that are vital for memory and learning. Using advanced mouse models, researchers will assess how the absence of Sarm1 affects cognitive functions and nerve health. By uncovering these molecular processes, the research aims to provide insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding synapse loss in Alzheimer's, but the specific role of Sarm1 in this context is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lou, Xuelin — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Lou, Xuelin
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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.