NMDAR-TRPM4 signaling and mitochondria in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: CRCNS: NMDAR/TRPM4 signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11538393 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how a specific brain cell signaling pathway (NMDAR-TRPM4) relates to nerve cell damage and memory loss in Alzheimer's disease, using patient-derived stem cell models.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $132,448 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG107075-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11538393 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or carrying genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease from whom iPSC lines can be generated for organoid studies.
✕Less likely to help
Participants without access to iPSC-derived models or who do not carry AD-related mutations may have no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses iPSC-derived organoids from people with Alzheimer's mutations to explore how NMDAR-TRPM4 signaling affects neuron health, mitochondrial function, and cognitive decline. Researchers will apply advanced imaging and electrophysiology techniques to understand how this pathway contributes to neurotoxicity and disease progression. The work aims to translate findings into markers for diagnosis and treatment response, potentially guiding future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies that slow or halt neuronal damage in Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work supports the relevance of NMDAR-related signaling in neurodegeneration, with ongoing efforts exploring organoid models for AD.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Queisser, Gillian — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Queisser, Gillian
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.