Understanding how a protein complex called AP-4 affects brain cell cleanup in Alzheimer's
Elucidating the role of Adaptor Protein complex-4 in regulating axonal autophagic and lysosomal pathways
This work explores how a specific protein complex helps brain cells clear out waste, which could lead to new ways to help people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11089358 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brain cells, especially neurons, rely on a cleanup system called the autophagic and lysosomal pathways (ALP) to remove damaged parts and misfolded proteins. In Alzheimer's disease, this system doesn't work well, leading to a buildup of waste and harmful amyloid plaques. We want to understand how a protein complex called AP-4 controls this cleanup process in the long extensions of brain cells, called axons. By learning more about AP-4, we hope to find new ways to improve the brain's natural cleaning system and reduce the harmful plaques and toxic proteins linked to Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to understand basic disease mechanisms relevant to individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by 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 identify new targets for therapies that improve the brain's waste removal system, potentially reducing amyloid plaques and toxic proteins in Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the general concept of ALP dysfunction in Alzheimer's is known, the specific role of AP-4 in axonal ALP regulation and its direct link to amyloid plaque formation is a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gowrishankar, Swetha — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Gowrishankar, Swetha
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.