Understanding how APP processing affects Alzheimer’s disease at the single-molecule level
Official title: Single-molecule dynamics of amyloid precursor protein with pooled genetic perturbations
Funded at Broad Institute, INC. · NIH-11441972 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new NIH grant aims to study how the amyloid precursor protein (APP) behaves in brain cells to influence Alzheimer’s disease, using advanced imaging to track single molecules.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Broad Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $698,718 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG104127-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11441972 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, for whom future therapies targeting APP processing may be relevant.
✕Less likely to help
People without risk factors or a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease may not directly benefit from this basic science study.
What this research studies
This project will develop a live-cell imaging platform that looks at how APP encounters enzymes that either promote harmful amyloid formation or protective shedding. It combines single-molecule tracking with a new pooled-genomics screen to identify genetic perturbations that change APP processing. The approach uses two imaging modes to balance broad discovery and deep, long-term observation in neurons. The work could reveal precise molecules and interactions to target in future therapies for Alzheimer’s disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new targets or strategies to slow or prevent cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease by altering APP processing.
How similar studies have gone: Previous single-molecule and live-cell imaging studies have provided proof-of-concept for tracking APP-related processes, with growing evidence that detailed molecular insights can guide therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Broad Institute, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peng, Chunte — Broad Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Peng, Chunte
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Broad-Color: A Center to Accelerate All of Us Genomics
A national effort to speed up personalized medicine by expanding genomic data and clinical insight for All of Us participants.
-
Common Fund data knowledge center to make big data insights easy to use
A project to make NIH Common Fund datasets easy to find, understand, and use for researchers by turning them into trusted, clearly explained knowledge that supports big data discoveries.
-
Massive-scale genomic risk assessment to inform precision medicine for diabetes
A large study aims to map how genetic differences influence different forms of diabetes to guide personalized care.
-
Massive-scale genetic risk profiling to guide personalized diabetes care
A large NIH-funded project will study how many diabetes-related genetic variants influence risk across diverse populations to help tailor prevention and treatment.
-
Asian Bipolar Genetics Network study
This project studies the genetics of bipolar disorder in East and South Asian people to better understand risk factors and how they may affect diagnosis and care.
-
Broad-Color: A Genomic Center to Accelerate All of Us for Better Health
A national genomic resource project will expand and speed up how researchers use genetic data from All of Us participants to improve understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases.
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.