Investigating how SARS-CoV-2 proteins may worsen Alzheimer's disease pathology.
Official title: Can SARS-CoV-2 proteins accelerate Abeta pathology in fly and mouse models of AD?
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11052745 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how certain proteins from the COVID-19 virus might speed up Alzheimer's disease, using flies and mice to see how they affect the brain, and it hopes to help people understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 on Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $419,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG091384-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052745 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced neurological symptoms following COVID-19 infection, particularly those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a history of COVID-19 or those not at risk for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the potential link between SARS-CoV-2 proteins and the acceleration of Alzheimer's disease pathology. By using fly and mouse models, the study examines how specific proteins from the virus may contribute to neurodegeneration and the aggregation of harmful proteins associated with Alzheimer's. The researchers aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these effects, which could provide insights into the long-term neurological impacts of COVID-19. Patients may benefit from understanding how COVID-19 could influence Alzheimer's disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease in individuals affected by COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of linking SARS-CoV-2 proteins to Alzheimer's pathology is novel, similar studies have shown that viral infections can impact neurodegenerative diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rincon-Limas, Diego E — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Rincon-Limas, Diego E
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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.