Proteins that help brain cells make and keep connections
Kinetochore Protein Functions in Synaptogenesis
The team wants to find out whether certain kinetochore proteins help nerve cells form and stabilize connections, which could matter for people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173619 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From fruit fly genetics to cultured mammalian neurons, researchers are looking at a surprising role for kinetochore proteins outside of cell division: helping shape synapses and dendrites. They use mutant flies, microscopy, and gene knockdown in lab-grown neurons to see how losing these proteins changes synapse formation and microtubule stability. The central idea is that a local "neuro-kinetochore" may stabilize microtubules during the switch from a growth cone to a stable synaptic connection. This is laboratory research that could point to new molecular targets to protect synapses in Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, or those at risk, could be future candidates for therapies arising from this work, although the current project does not enroll patients.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or clinical trial enrollment should not expect direct benefit from this basic laboratory study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If confirmed, the work could reveal new targets to protect or restore synapses in Alzheimer's and related dementias.
How similar studies have performed: This is a largely novel function for kinetochore proteins in neurons, though related research on microtubule stabilization in neurodegeneration has produced promising leads.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwarz, Thomas L. — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Schwarz, Thomas L.
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.