Understanding how a protein helps protect against Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementias
Official title: Chaperone protection in Lewy body and Alzheimer’s dementias: determining the structural, molecular and cellular mechanisms of a novel, non-canonical Hsp70 action blocking a-synuclein oligomerization
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10823333 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Hsp70 helps protect brain cells from the damage caused by harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementias, with the hope of finding new ways to treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $251,970 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG081779-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10823333 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or Lewy body dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of dementia not related to Alzheimer's or Lewy body pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific protein, Hsp70, in protecting brain cells from the harmful effects of misfolded proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementias. By exploring the mechanisms through which Hsp70 prevents the aggregation of toxic proteins like alpha-synuclein and tau, the study aims to identify new therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for these debilitating conditions. The research employs advanced cellular and molecular techniques to uncover the protective actions of Hsp70.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting protein misfolding in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcconlogue, Lisa C — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Mcconlogue, Lisa C
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.