Understanding Brain Changes in Alzheimer's Disease
Spatial Transcriptomics for Investigating the Interaction between TDP-43 Proteinopathy and Hippocampal Sclerosis in Alzheimer's Disease
This project aims to understand how specific protein changes and brain scarring interact in Alzheimer's disease by looking closely at gene activity in affected brain areas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181646 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Alzheimer's disease affects millions, and while we know a lot, we still have questions about how certain brain changes contribute to the disease. This work focuses on two key features: hippocampal sclerosis, which is scarring in a memory-related part of the brain, and TDP-43 proteinopathy, which involves abnormal proteins. We want to see how these two problems work together to affect gene activity in the brain. By using advanced techniques to map gene expression in specific brain regions, we hope to uncover new details about how these changes contribute to Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for anyone affected by Alzheimer's disease, as it seeks to clarify underlying disease mechanisms.
Not a fit: Patients will not directly participate in this laboratory-based research, so there is no immediate personal benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of Alzheimer's disease, potentially identifying new targets for future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While much is known about Alzheimer's, the specific interplay between TDP-43 proteinopathy and hippocampal sclerosis at the gene level remains largely unexplored, making this a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mao, Qinwen — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Mao, Qinwen
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.