Tip60 histone acetyltransferase and brain health in Alzheimer’s disease
Official title: Mechanisms underlying Tip60 HAT action in neuroprotection of cognitive function
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-11397592 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant explores how a brain enzyme called Tip60 helps protect memory and cognitive function in Alzheimer-like conditions using a fruit fly model and neural studies.
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 start | August 1, 2017 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $384,560 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS095799-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397592 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease who may benefit from future therapies targeting epigenetic regulation.
✕Less likely to help
Results may be most applicable to Alzheimer’s disease and may not directly benefit those without neurodegenerative conditions.
What this research studies
The project focuses on how epigenetic regulation by Tip60 HAT affects memory and cognition in Alzheimer's disease. Researchers use a Drosophila model with APP and manipulate Tip60 levels in neural circuits to study changes in chromatin and gene expression. The goal is to understand which acetylation patterns support healthy brain function and how their disruption contributes to dementia. Findings could point to new strategies to preserve memory in people with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of memory-protecting mechanisms could lead to new approaches for delaying cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work links Tip60-mediated chromatin changes to cognition, with ongoing studies building a clearer link to AD pathology.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elefant, Felice — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Elefant, Felice
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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.