Understanding calcium imbalance in brain cells related to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Calcium dysregulation and vulnerability of entorhinal cortex neurons in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11085115 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with calcium in the brain might affect communication between important areas early in Alzheimer's disease, using mice to see if fixing these calcium issues can help brain cells work better, which could lead to new treatments for people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $722,291 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG071310-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085115 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those with other forms of dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how calcium dysregulation affects communication between specific brain regions in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. By using a mouse model of Alzheimer's, the study aims to identify the role of calcium signaling in the vulnerability of neurons in the lateral entorhinal cortex and their connection to the hippocampus. Researchers will employ various techniques, including molecular and imaging methods, to explore whether correcting calcium signaling can improve neuronal function and stability. The findings could lead to new treatment strategies targeting calcium-related pathways in Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that improve brain function and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting calcium signaling pathways in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Malter, James S — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Malter, James S
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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.