Understanding how certain proteins affect brain health in Alzheimer's disease.
Official title: Investigating the regulation of lipid homeostasis and lysosomal function in neurodegenerative disease by prosaposin and progranulin in C. elegans
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10936539 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at two proteins, progranulin and prosaposin, to see how they help keep our brains healthy, especially for people with Alzheimer's and similar conditions, and it hopes to find new ways to treat these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $78,892 |
| NIH project number | 5F32AG079659-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936539 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, particularly those with genetic mutations affecting progranulin.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases unrelated to lipid metabolism or lysosomal function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the roles of two proteins, progranulin and prosaposin, in maintaining brain health and function, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By studying these proteins in a model organism, C. elegans, the researchers aim to uncover how they influence lipid metabolism and lysosomal function, which are critical for neuronal health. The approach involves genetic and biochemical techniques to analyze the effects of these proteins on cellular processes that may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the biological mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve brain health and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the roles of lysosomal proteins in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hodul, Molly — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Hodul, Molly
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.