Understanding how a protein called PAI-1 affects blood vessels in the brain and contributes to Alzheimer's disease
The Role of PAI-1 in Cerebral Microvascular Dysfunction and the Development of Alzheimer’s Disease Neuropathology
This project explores how a protein called PAI-1, which is linked to heart disease, might also play a part in the brain changes that lead to Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11136920 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Alzheimer's disease is a complex condition with well-known features like protein tangles and plaques in the brain. However, we are learning that other factors, particularly those related to heart and blood vessel health, also play a significant role in its development. This project focuses on a specific protein called PAI-1, which is known to be involved in cardiovascular issues and also appears in the brains of people with Alzheimer's. We want to discover how PAI-1 affects the tiny blood vessels in the brain and how this might contribute to the brain changes seen in Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients, but its findings could eventually benefit individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease or those in early stages of the condition.
Not a fit: Patients without Alzheimer's disease or related cardiovascular risk factors would likely not directly benefit from this specific line of basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover new targets for treatments or prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease by focusing on vascular health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous clinical and experimental findings suggest a strong link between cardiovascular risk factors, PAI-1, and Alzheimer's disease, providing a solid foundation for this work.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lawrence, Daniel a — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Lawrence, Daniel a
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.