Reprogramming brain cells to slow memory loss and dementia
Epigenetic Reprogramming to Counteract Neuronal Aging and Degeneration
Researchers are testing whether turning back age-related chemical marks on brain cells can restore youthful function and help older adults with memory loss or early Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285312 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view, the team aims to give three 'rejuvenation' genes (called OSK) to neurons to reset harmful aging marks and improve memory. They will use viral delivery tools, molecular tests of DNA and histone marks, and behavior tests in lab models to see if brain cells act younger and support cognition. Earlier work showed OSK helped eye neurons regrow and restored vision in old mice, and now researchers will study how that works and whether it helps learning and memory. This is lab-focused research now and a step toward possible human treatments in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This line of research would most likely aim to help older adults with age-related memory problems or people in early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: People with very advanced Alzheimer's, memory problems from non-neurological causes, or those unable to receive viral-gene approaches may not benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could slow or reverse age-related memory decline and provide a new treatment avenue for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Related preclinical work using the same OSK factors restored function in eye neurons and improved vision in old mice, but applying OSK reprogramming to brain neurons and cognition is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tian, Xiao — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
- Study coordinator: Tian, Xiao
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.