Investigating the Hippo signaling pathway to treat Alzheimer's disease
Official title: The Hippo signaling pathway as a target of intervention for Alzheimer’s disease
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11113896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific pathway in our cells that might help find better treatments for Alzheimer's disease by stopping brain cell damage and improving memory and thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $528,723 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG086496-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11113896 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 experiencing significant cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the Hippo signaling pathway, which plays a crucial role in cell survival and growth, to find new ways to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD). Currently, most treatments for AD only alleviate symptoms without addressing the disease's progression. The researchers aim to understand how abnormal activation of the Hippo pathway contributes to neuron degeneration in AD. By inhibiting this pathway, they hope to improve cognitive function and reduce neurodegeneration in patients with AD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and improve cognitive function.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting the Hippo signaling pathway for neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ran, Qitao — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Ran, Qitao
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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.