Understanding how cell compartments interact during aging in Alzheimer’s disease
Official title: Investigating Inter-organelle Dynamics During Aging
Funded at Albany Medical College · NIH-11286070 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short, patient-friendly look at how tiny cell parts communicate as we age, with a focus on Alzheimer’s-related dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albany Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $246,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG098296-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11286070 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideally, people interested in Alzheimer’s disease or aging-related brain changes may benefit from future therapies arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science study uses a worm model and cellular imaging, so it may not directly benefit any individual participant now.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how different cell compartments talk to each other in aging and Alzheimer’s disease, using the tiny worm model C. elegans to observe changes in organelle contacts and morphology. They will use advanced 3-D and 4-D imaging to track how these interactions evolve over time and under stress. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that cause cellular aging to accelerate in Alzheimer’s dementia, which could inform future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new cellular targets to slow or modify brain aging and Alzheimer's-related changes.
How similar studies have gone: Similar imaging and aging studies in model systems have revealed important links between organelle interactions and cellular health, though translation to humans is ongoing.
Where this research is happening
-
Albany Medical College
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Norman, Kenneth R — Albany Medical College
- Study coordinator: Norman, Kenneth R
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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.