Understanding how amyloid proteins aggregate in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Mass Spectrometry-Based Protein Footprinting: A New Tool for Amyloid Protein Aggregation
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11087461 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins related to Alzheimer's disease misfold and clump together, with the hope that understanding these processes will help find new ways to treat the disease and improve care for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $725,944 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG079283-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087461 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 years old who are at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-Alzheimer's related cognitive decline or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the process by which amyloid beta proteins misfold and aggregate, contributing to Alzheimer's disease. Using a technique called mass spectrometry-based protein footprinting, the study aims to analyze the structural details of these proteins and their interactions with other molecules, such as apolipoprotein E. By examining the soluble forms of these aggregates, the research seeks to uncover critical insights that could lead to new therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of the disease mechanisms, which could inform future treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using mass spectrometry techniques to study protein aggregation, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gross, Michael L — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Gross, Michael L
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.