Understanding how copper affects brain health and diseases like Alzheimer's
The Role of Copper in Choroid Plexus
['FUNDING_R01'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-10980630
This study is looking at how copper moves into a part of the brain that helps make the fluid around it, and it hopes to find out if having too much or too little copper could be linked to Alzheimer's disease, using animal models to learn more about how this works.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10980630 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of copper in the choroid plexus, a key part of the brain that produces cerebrospinal fluid. It aims to understand how copper is transported into the brain and how imbalances in copper levels may contribute to conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The study will use animal models to explore the mechanisms of copper transfer and its impact on brain function during development. By examining specific copper transporters and their interactions, the research seeks to clarify the relationship between copper homeostasis and brain health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 21 years old who are at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological conditions unrelated to copper metabolism or those over 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders linked to copper imbalance.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding metal ion transport in the brain can lead to significant advancements in treating neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LUTSENKO, SVETLANA — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: LUTSENKO, SVETLANA
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 below.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease