Investigating how the deterioration of neuronal primary cilia affects Alzheimer's disease

The Role of Neuronal Primary Cilia Deterioration in Alzheimer's Disease

NIH-funded research Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10995398

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 typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCase Western Reserve University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project IDNIH-10995398 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cognitive impairment not related to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Cleveland, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.