Keeping cell recycling centers balanced to protect against aging
Endolysosomal Regulation of Amino Acid Homeostasis in Aging
They are looking at how a cell's recycling compartments and amino acid balance change with age to help people at risk for Alzheimer's and other age-related brain problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258511 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists use simple yeast cells to model how the lysosome (the cell's recycling compartment) loses acidity and fails to store amino acids properly as cells age. They change genes and chemical conditions to see how amino acid mismanagement—for example, release of cysteine—affects mitochondria and overall cell health. By mapping these pathways in the lab, they hope to identify molecular steps that also occur in human brain aging and in Alzheimer's disease. Findings could point to new targets for future treatments that restore lysosome function or amino acid balance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, or age-related memory problems are the groups most likely to benefit from future treatments informed by this research.
Not a fit: Patients looking for immediate, clinic-based treatments or those with conditions unrelated to brain aging are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-based research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biological targets to slow cellular aging or reduce processes that contribute to Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies in yeast and other models have linked lysosomal dysfunction to aging, but moving from these findings to proven Alzheimer's treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hughes, Adam — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Hughes, Adam
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 below.