Restoring the brain molecule miR-29 to help prevent Alzheimer's
miR-29: A brain homeostasis molecule for Alzheimer’s disease prevention
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11248379
This work aims to see if restoring a small brain molecule called miR-29 can protect older adults' brain cells from changes linked to Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11248379 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are exploring miR-29, a small RNA that normally helps keep adult brain cells healthy but is lower in people with Alzheimer's. In mice that can have miR-29 turned off and in models that show Alzheimer's-like brain changes, the team will restore miR-29 using viral delivery to watch effects on neurons, memory, and amyloid-related markers. They will measure behavior, brain pathology, and molecular signals to understand whether miR-29 maintains long-term brain health. These lab results could guide future clinical approaches to boost miR-29 in people at risk for Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this is currently preclinical, future clinical trials based on this work would likely enroll older adults at risk for Alzheimer's or people with early-stage disease such as mild cognitive impairment.
Not a fit: People with non-Alzheimer's dementias or those with advanced, late-stage Alzheimer's are less likely to benefit from an early preventive approach focused on miR-29.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or slow Alzheimer's by protecting vulnerable neurons.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies link miR-29 to Alzheimer's pathways and show protective effects in cell and animal models, but therapies to restore miR-29 have not yet been proven in people.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DESHMUKH, MOHANISH P — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: DESHMUKH, MOHANISH P
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.