Investigating the role of VGF in Alzheimer's disease and depression
Official title: Novel directions for investigating the role of VGF in comorbid Major Depressive Disorder and Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11135944 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how late-onset Alzheimer's disease and depression are connected, focusing on a protein called VGF that might play a role in both, to help find better ways to treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $844,931 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG093879-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11135944 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with late onset Alzheimer's disease and experiencing symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early onset Alzheimer's disease or those without any depressive symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the connection between late onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), which often occur together. The study aims to identify shared biological mechanisms, particularly the role of a protein called VGF, which has been linked to both conditions. Researchers will analyze gene expression in brain samples from patients and utilize advanced systems biology techniques to uncover how VGF influences the progression of these diseases. By exploring VGF's potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target, the research seeks to provide insights that could lead to improved treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that address both Alzheimer's disease and depression, improving the quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of VGF in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salton, Stephen R — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Salton, Stephen R
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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.