NIH-funded research Career grant

Understanding how aging affects brain function in Alzheimer's disease

Official title: Illuminating Lysosomal Dysfunction in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease (AD)

Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11098517 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the aging process affects brain health and could lead to problems like Alzheimer's disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with these conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project startAugust 15, 2023
Project endApril 30, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$177,984
NIH project number5K08AG083050-03
Project IDNIH-11098517 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are experiencing cognitive decline or have a family history of Alzheimer's disease.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or those who do not exhibit any cognitive decline may not benefit directly from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of lysosomal function and pH in the aging process and its connection to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease. The project aims to explore how aging contributes to the accumulation of harmful protein aggregates in the brain, which can impair cognitive function. By utilizing mouse models and collaborating with experienced mentors, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that could potentially reverse these effects. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve brain health and cognitive function in aging individuals, particularly those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding lysosomal function and its implications for neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California, San Francisco
    San Francisco, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Lane-Donovan, Courtney E — University of California, San Francisco
  • Study coordinator: Lane-Donovan, Courtney E

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.