Investigating the role of amyloids in the brain's support structure
Official title: Biological Amyloids in the Mammalian Brain Extracellular Matrix
Funded at Texas Tech University Health Scis Center · NIH-10991978 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain's support system might change with age and gender, and how these changes could affect brain health in people with Alzheimer's disease, using special techniques and a mouse model to learn more.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Tech University Health Scis Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lubbock, United States) |
| Project start | September 27, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $420,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG089761-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991978 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, particularly those interested in understanding the biological underpinnings of their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurological conditions or those not affected by Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how the brain's extracellular matrix (ECM) contributes to brain function and adaptability, particularly in relation to Alzheimer's disease. It focuses on understanding the role of functional amyloids and extracellular nucleic acids in the ECM, which may change with age and sex. By using advanced biochemical and biophysical techniques, the study aims to identify new structural components of the ECM and how they influence brain health. The research will also utilize a specific mouse model to examine these effects in detail.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and potential therapeutic targets for treatment.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of amyloids in Alzheimer's has been studied, this specific approach to understanding ECM plasticity and its sex-specific responses is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Tech University Health Scis Center
Lubbock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cornwall, Gail a — Texas Tech University Health Scis Center
- Study coordinator: Cornwall, Gail a
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.