Targeting mitochondrial complex I to protect the brain in Alzheimer’s
Mitochondrial Complex I as a Target for Neuroprotection in AD
This project tests whether small doses of drugs that mildly block a part of the cell’s energy machinery (mitochondrial complex I) can protect brain cells and help people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11297715 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using drugs that partially inhibit mitochondrial complex I in animal models of Alzheimer’s to trigger protective stress responses in brain cells. They treat mice after memory problems begin and measure inflammation, brain energy use, protein markers linked to Alzheimer’s (amyloid and tau), synaptic function, and behavior. The team also compares the pathways affected in mice with human brain gene-expression data from the AMP-AD database to see if the same mechanisms matter in people. This work aims to show whether the approach is both effective and safe enough to consider moving toward human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people living with Alzheimer’s disease or those at increased genetic risk (for example, APOE-ε4 carriers) who are interested in new therapeutic approaches.
Not a fit: People whose cognitive problems are from non-Alzheimer’s causes or who have advanced frailty or severe medical comorbidities may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could slow or stop neurodegeneration and preserve memory and brain function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical studies in multiple familial mouse models showed reduced inflammation, lower amyloid and tau pathology, and improved cognition with partial complex I inhibition, but testing in humans is still novel.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trushina, Eugenia — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Trushina, Eugenia
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.