Molecular signatures of Alzheimer’s, FTLD, and Long COVID in the brain
Official title: Identification of molecular-neuropathological signatures in AD, FTLD and Long COVID
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11283726 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist at UCLA will study brain tissue to find molecular patterns that link Alzheimer’s, a related dementia, and Long COVID, with the aim of understanding why certain brain areas are more affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $146,750 |
| NIH project number | 1K08AG098035-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11283726 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with Alzheimer's disease dementia, FTLD, or a history of Long COVID, plus healthy controls for comparative analyses.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without these conditions or who are not part of the tissue or stem cell study components may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses advanced brain tissue analyses to map where and why disease-associated molecules appear in specific brain cells. It combines single-cell spatial multi-omics on postmortem samples and tests potential disease drivers using human stem cell–derived neurons. The goal is to connect observed pathology with precise molecular changes across Alzheimer’s, FTLD, and Long COVID at the single-cell level. Insights could point to new targets for therapies that protect vulnerable brain regions. The work will be conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles, led by Ting Zhang.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: It could reveal molecular targets to develop therapies that protect vulnerable brain cells in Alzheimer’s, FTLD, and Long COVID.
How similar studies have gone: Previous single-cell approaches have begun to illuminate brain cell changes in neurodegenerative diseases, but integrating spatial context with pathology is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Ting — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Ting
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Defining neutrophil biology in pediatric Long COVID
This project looks at why some kids develop Long COVID by studying neutrophils to help find new ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
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Advancing Long COVID Care in Our Community through Access and Collaboration
A community-focused project to make long COVID care more accessible and equitable for people in St. Louis and rural Missouri.
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Pediatric Long COVID Care Network: Improving access and coordinated care for children
A nationwide pediatric program is testing a patient-centered, multi-disciplinary approach to help children with long COVID, especially in underserved communities.
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Comunidad: Expanding Long COVID care in underserved South Texas
A new program will broaden and coordinate Long COVID care for underserved communities in San Antonio and South Texas to improve access and outcomes.
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Atlanta Long COVID Coordinated Care Model for Diverse Populations
A regional program in Atlanta aims to improve access and coordination of care for people with Long COVID, especially in underserved communities.
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Long COVID Care Resources and Education to Improve Community Health
A program to support federally-qualified health centers in providing better Long COVID care through education, a shared hub, and easy referral pathways for underserved communities.
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.