NGF Metabolic Dysfunction as a Marker of Cognitive Decline in Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease
Official title: Nerve Growth (NGF) Factor Metabolic Dysfunction as a Marker of Cognitive Decline in Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11591274 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at nerve growth factor pathways in people with a genetic form of Alzheimer's to see if blood and spinal fluid markers can identify early brain changes before symptoms appear.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $287,235 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AG077627-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11591274 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals who carry pathogenic PSEN1 mutations (autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease) and non-carrier family members.
✕Less likely to help
People without the genetic risk or with unrelated forms of dementia may not benefit from these biomarker findings.
What this research studies
Researchers will examine protein markers related to NGF metabolism in blood and CSF from people who carry pathogenic PSEN1 mutations (autosomal dominant AD) and from non-carriers, to see if these markers signal preclinical brain changes. The study focuses on a well-defined, early-disease population to reduce variability and better understand NGF-related biology in the progression to Alzheimer’s dementia. By comparing mutation carriers and non-carriers over time, the project aims to identify patterns that could support earlier detection and potential future interventions. The work uses biofluid samples from participants and analyzes them with biomarker assays to map NGF pathways across the disease course.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could enable earlier identification of people on the path to AD dementia and guide the timing of future therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has linked NGF metabolism changes to AD pathology, but this study focuses on a genetically defined population to clarify the biomarker signals.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Quiroz, Yakeel T. — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Quiroz, Yakeel T.
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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.