Tracking how Alzheimer's proteins change from harmful forms to fibrils
Official title: Combining electron and nuclear magnetic resonance to track Alzheimer's amyloid-beta oligomer-to-fibril conversion
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10823297 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins related to Alzheimer's disease change shape over time, which could help us find new ways to treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $188,632 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG082041-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10823297 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those exhibiting early signs of cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the process by which amyloid-beta proteins, which are implicated in Alzheimer's disease, change from soluble oligomers to insoluble fibrils. Using advanced techniques like electron and nuclear magnetic resonance, the study aims to monitor these structural changes over time. By understanding this conversion process, researchers hope to uncover the mechanisms behind the toxicity of oligomers and how they might be targeted for therapeutic interventions. The research will involve preparing specific types of oligomers and observing their behavior in different environments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting the harmful forms of amyloid-beta proteins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding amyloid-beta aggregation, but this specific approach combining electron and nuclear magnetic resonance is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Zhefeng — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Guo, Zhefeng
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.