Understanding how different brain cells process amyloid in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Causes and consequences of differential APP processing in inhibitory and excitatory neurons
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11088829 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different brain cells handle a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease, which could help us understand why people experience the disease in different ways and how it affects memory and thinking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $579,061 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG085751-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088829 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 for developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to amyloid pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the varying ways in which amyloid precursor protein (APP) is processed in different types of brain cells, specifically excitatory and inhibitory neurons, in the context of Alzheimer's disease. By using newly developed animal models that express APP in either glutamatergic or GABAergic neurons, the study aims to uncover how these differences contribute to the formation of amyloid plaques and the progression of cognitive decline. The researchers will analyze the resulting amyloid structures and their impact on brain function, providing insights into the diverse clinical presentations of Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more targeted therapies for Alzheimer's disease by understanding the cellular mechanisms behind amyloid plaque formation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the cellular mechanisms of amyloid processing can lead to significant advancements in Alzheimer's disease treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jankowsky, Joanna L — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Jankowsky, Joanna L
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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.