Understanding how aging cells contribute to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Dissecting the impact of senescence pathways on the cellular pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10870871 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging brain cells might play a part in Alzheimer's disease and whether getting rid of these old cells can help improve brain function and lessen symptoms for people with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $460,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG086894-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10870871 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk of developing it due to age or genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage Alzheimer's or those with other forms of dementia unrelated to cellular senescence may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of cellular senescence in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It focuses on understanding how aging cells in the brain contribute to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. By using human-derived stem cells, the researchers aim to explore specific senescence pathways that may drive the disease. The study will involve examining the effects of eliminating these senescent cells to see if it can improve brain function and reduce AD symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting senescent cells to improve cognitive function in animal models of Alzheimer's disease, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Hong — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Hong
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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.