Investigating the role of a protein in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: AQP4 Associations with Alzheimer's Disease: A Multi-omics Approach
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-10825038 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called aquaporin-4 and how it might affect Alzheimer's disease by helping the brain get rid of harmful plaques, and we're inviting patients to share samples or information that could help us understand this better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 4, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $34,269 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AG085980-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10825038 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk due to genetic factors.
✕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 explores how the aquaporin-4 (AQP4) protein is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its impact on the brain's ability to clear harmful amyloid plaques. By analyzing genetic and expression changes in AQP4 and its regulatory components in large human studies, the research aims to understand how these factors contribute to AD pathology. The study utilizes advanced computational methods to analyze data from well-characterized cohorts, providing insights into the mechanisms of AD progression. Patients may be involved in providing biological samples or data that can help elucidate these relationships.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance amyloid clearance and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the glymphatic system in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Phillips, Jared — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Phillips, Jared
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.