Investigating the role of inflammation and protein aggregates in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Neuroinflammation, Protein Aggregates, ApoE4 Drug Targeting, and Autophagy Rescue
Funded at Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-11017774 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain protein called interleukin-1β might play a role in causing Alzheimer's disease by causing stress and inflammation in the brain, and it hopes to find new treatments that could help prevent harmful protein buildup and improve the health of people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $423,297 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG084472-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017774 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with the ApoE4 genotype.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Alzheimer's disease or those with other forms of dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the interleukin-1β cytokine contributes to the development of Alzheimer's disease by triggering a cycle of neuronal stress and inflammation. It examines the role of specific proteins, such as amyloid beta and tau, in forming harmful aggregates in the brain. The study also explores the impact of the ApoE4 gene on these processes and aims to develop targeted treatments that can inhibit protein aggregation and enhance autophagy, potentially improving outcomes for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways in Alzheimer's disease, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Griffin, Sue Tilton — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Griffin, Sue Tilton
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.