Tests for cell-recycling (endosomal) problems in Alzheimer's
Targeting Endosomal dysfunction as a new source of biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease
This project develops tests to find cell-recycling (endosomal) problems in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11239773 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are trying to create biomarkers that reflect problems in cells' recycling and transport systems, because current tests mainly detect plaques and tangles. They used proteomics in mouse models that lack key retromer proteins (like VPS35) to find proteins that show up in cerebrospinal fluid when endosomes are disrupted. The team found candidate proteins such as APP and APLP1 and plans to measure these and related signals in human CSF and blood samples. The goal is to link those molecular signals to endosomal dysfunction in people with Alzheimer's, and to build tests that could be used in future trials or clinical care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment, and older adults willing to provide blood or cerebrospinal fluid samples, would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People without neurodegenerative disease or those unwilling to give blood or CSF samples are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these biomarkers could help detect cell-level disease changes earlier, track progression, and guide treatments that target endosomal trafficking.
How similar studies have performed: Lab and animal studies have linked retromer and endosomal defects to Alzheimer's and identified candidate proteins in mouse CSF, but human biomarker tests based on this biology remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alves Simoes Spassov, Sabrina — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Alves Simoes Spassov, Sabrina
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.