Understanding how chaperones prevent Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Towards the understanding of how chaperones function and prevent amyloidogenic diseases
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11009591 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain helper proteins can stop harmful protein clumps that are linked to Alzheimer's disease, and it hopes to find new ways to protect brain health for people living with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00GM132496-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009591 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk of developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to protein misfolding may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of chaperone proteins, specifically Hsp60 and Hsp70, in preventing the aggregation of proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease. By exploring how these proteins function within mitochondria, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could protect against the toxic effects of misfolded proteins. The research will involve analyzing the structure of these chaperones during their protein folding cycle to better understand their protective capabilities. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of chaperones in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hegetschweiler, Marielle Aulikki — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Hegetschweiler, Marielle Aulikki
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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.