Understanding how aging cells contribute to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Cell autonomous and non-autonomous mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Funded at Buck Institute for Research on Aging · NIH-11099713 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores how aging cells in the brain might cause Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, looking for new ways to slow or stop these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Buck Institute for Research on Aging NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Novato, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $501,273 |
| NIH project number | 5P01AG066591-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099713 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational work is for anyone interested in the underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, especially those concerned with age-related brain changes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate clinical interventions or direct participation in a treatment trial would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
What this research studies
Our bodies have cells that age and can become 'senescent,' meaning they stop dividing but remain active, potentially harming surrounding healthy cells. This project aims to understand how these senescent cells, particularly in the brain, contribute to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. We are looking at how these aging cells communicate with other brain cells and trigger a cascade of events that lead to the disease. By identifying the specific types of senescent cells and their interactions, we hope to find new targets for treatments that could prevent or slow down the progression of these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that target aging cells in the brain, potentially preventing or slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in mouse models suggests that removing senescent cells can prevent Alzheimer's disease pathology and behavioral issues, indicating promise for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Buck Institute for Research on Aging
Novato, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ellerby, Lisa M — Buck Institute for Research on Aging
- Study coordinator: Ellerby, Lisa M
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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.