Investigating how the deterioration of neuronal primary cilia affects Alzheimer's disease
Official title: The Role of Neuronal Primary Cilia Deterioration in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10995398 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny structures in brain cells, called primary cilia, might be linked to Alzheimer's disease, and it aims to understand how changes in a specific gene could affect memory and lead to the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AG089912-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995398 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk of developing it due to age or genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cognitive impairment not related to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between neuronal primary cilia and Alzheimer's disease (AD), focusing on how the deterioration of these organelles may contribute to the disease's progression. By analyzing gene expression in postmortem human brains, the study aims to understand the role of a specific gene, ADCY3, which is linked to primary cilia and is found to be downregulated in AD. The research will investigate how the loss of functional primary cilia may lead to cognitive decline and the accumulation of amyloid beta peptides, which are characteristic of AD. Through this approach, the study seeks to uncover new insights into the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic targets for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of primary cilia in neurodegenerative diseases is an emerging field, this specific approach to Alzheimer's disease is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Emiko L — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Miller, Emiko L
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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.