NGF Metabolism as a biomarker for cognitive decline in familial 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-11597025 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying whether patterns in nerve growth factor pathways in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical stages of Alzheimer's in people with genetic risk.
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) | $199,925 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AG077627-03S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11597025 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals who carry PSEN1 pathogenic mutations (familial autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease) and non-carrier comparators.
✕Less likely to help
People without the PSEN1 mutation or without biomarker-detectable NGF changes may not benefit from this study’s findings.
What this research studies
This project will analyze blood and spinal fluid samples from individuals who carry pathogenic PSEN1 mutations, comparing them to non-carriers to see if NGF-related proteins change before symptoms appear. By focusing on a well-defined, autosomal-dominant form of Alzheimer's disease, the study aims to identify early biomarkers that could guide future preventive therapies. The work involves measuring NGF pathway proteins in biofluids and correlating levels with expected disease progression over time. The findings could help clinicians detect preclinical disease and tailor early interventions for people at high genetic risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier detection of Alzheimer's in at-risk individuals and pave the way for earlier, targeted treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has linked NGF metabolism changes to AD pathology, with this study extending those insights to a genetically defined population.
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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NGF metabolism as an early biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
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NGF Metabolic Dysfunction as a Marker of Cognitive Decline in Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease
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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.