Understanding how a brain enzyme called LPL affects Alzheimer's
Targeting Microglial Lipoprotein Lipase in Alzheimer's disease
This research explores how a specific enzyme in brain cells, called LPL, might help clear harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11366960 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Alzheimer's disease is a devastating condition with no effective therapies to prevent or delay its onset. We know that certain fats and proteins in the brain, called lipoproteins, play a role in how Alzheimer's develops, with a protein called APOE4 contributing to harmful plaque buildup. This project focuses on special brain cells called microglia, which are important for processing these lipoproteins. We are looking at an enzyme within microglia, called LPL, that helps clear away these harmful proteins, and we want to see if boosting its activity could protect against Alzheimer's. Our goal is to understand how LPL works and if it can be targeted to treat the disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk of developing it.
Not a fit: Patients without Alzheimer's disease or related neurodegenerative conditions would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent or slow down Alzheimer's disease by targeting how the brain handles fats and proteins.
How similar studies have performed: While epidemiological studies suggest LPL's protective role, directly validating LPL as a treatment target for Alzheimer's in living organisms is a novel aspect of this work.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bruce, Kimberley D — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Bruce, Kimberley D
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.