Investigating the role of double-stranded RNA in brain cell death related to Alzheimer's and similar diseases
Official title: Double-stranded RNA in neuronal cell death in Alzheimer's and related neurodegenerative diseases
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11122196 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific type of genetic material builds up in the brains of people with Alzheimer's and similar diseases, to understand how it harms brain cells and to find new ways to help treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $760,995 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG085307-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11122196 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, ALS, or Frontotemporal Dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or neurodegenerative diseases not related to the accumulation of double-stranded RNA may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) accumulates in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative conditions like ALS and Frontotemporal Dementia. The study aims to explore the molecular mechanisms behind this accumulation and its effects on brain cells, particularly how it triggers harmful immune responses that lead to cell death. By identifying these pathways, the research seeks to uncover new potential treatments for these currently untreatable diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel therapeutic strategies that slow down or prevent neuronal cell death in Alzheimer's and related neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting dsRNA in these diseases is relatively novel, there have been successful studies exploring similar pathways in neurodegeneration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Link, Christopher D. — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Link, Christopher D.
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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.