Tip60 enzyme and protecting memory
Mechanisms underlying Tip60 HAT action in neuroprotection of cognitive function
This project tests whether boosting a brain enzyme called Tip60 can help protect memory in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10795757 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research studies how the enzyme Tip60 controls chemical tags on DNA packaging that affect memory-related gene activity. The team uses engineered fruit fly models carrying Alzheimer-related proteins to change Tip60 levels and watch effects on neurons and memory-linked genes. They map acetylation patterns and gene expression to pinpoint molecular steps that lead to memory loss and test whether restoring Tip60 can prevent those changes. The findings are meant to point toward targets for future treatments to protect cognition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with early Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment are the most relevant eventual candidates for treatments that could come from this work.
Not a fit: Because this is lab-based discovery using fly models, people seeking immediate treatment effects or those with very advanced Alzheimer’s are unlikely to benefit right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or strategies to slow memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies that altered histone acetylation (for example using HDAC inhibitors) have improved memory in animal models, but directly targeting Tip60 is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Drexel University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elefant, Felice — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Elefant, Felice
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.