Protecting Brain Cells in Alzheimer's Disease
Molecular and genetic studies of NMNAT2 in neuroprotection
This research explores how a protein called NMNAT2 helps keep brain cells healthy, hoping to find new ways to slow down or prevent Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11053534 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brain cells need an active protection program to survive throughout life, and a protein called NMNAT2 is very important for this process. NMNAT2 helps brain cells maintain their function and protects them from damage, including the kind seen in Alzheimer's disease. In people with Alzheimer's, NMNAT2 levels are significantly lower, and these lower levels are linked to how well someone's memory and thinking abilities are. By studying NMNAT2 in detail, we hope to uncover new ways to keep brain cells healthy and develop treatments that are different from current approaches for Alzheimer's and related dementias.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not currently recruiting patients for direct participation.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to entirely new treatments that protect brain cells and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have performed: While NMNAT2 has been identified as an important factor in neuronal health, this specific approach to developing new therapies for Alzheimer's disease is still in its early stages.
Where this research is happening
Bloomington, United States
- Trustees of Indiana University — Bloomington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Hui-Chen — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Lu, Hui-Chen
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.