Understanding how brain fats affect Alzheimer's disease
Official title: The impact of brain lipoprotein structure and composition on amyloid beta metabolism and Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories · NIH-11129713 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how fats in the brain, called lipoproteins, might contribute to Alzheimer's disease, especially for people with a specific genetic risk factor.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richland, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $724,016 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS125591-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129713 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research focuses on understanding the disease mechanisms, particularly for individuals with the APOE4 genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate treatment options may not directly benefit from this basic science research.
What this research studies
Alzheimer's disease causes memory loss and thinking problems, affecting millions worldwide. This project explores how tiny fat-carrying particles in the brain, called brain lipoproteins (BLps), are involved in the disease. Researchers believe that a protein called APOE, which comes in different forms, changes how these BLps work. One form of APOE, called APOE4, is linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's. By using a new technology, scientists can better understand these BLps and how APOE affects them, hoping to uncover new ways Alzheimer's develops.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to understand, prevent, or treat Alzheimer's disease by targeting how fats are handled in the brain.
How similar studies have gone: While the link between lipid metabolism and Alzheimer's is recognized, this project uses a novel technology to deeply characterize brain lipoproteins, building on existing knowledge with a new approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories
Richland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Melchior, John — Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories
- Study coordinator: Melchior, John
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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.