Understanding how lipid droplets and cholesterol affect neurons in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Neuronal Vulnerability to Lipid Droplets and Cholesterol in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Endeavor Health Clinical Operations · NIH-11058469 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fat and cholesterol in brain cells might affect the health of neurons in people with Alzheimer's disease, especially focusing on how certain genes, like the APOE gene, play a role in this process, with the hope of finding new ways to help treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Endeavor Health Clinical Operations NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Evanston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $668,607 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081374-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058469 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage Alzheimer's or those without any genetic risk factors for the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of lipid droplets and cholesterol in the health of neurons affected by Alzheimer's disease. By using human induced pluripotent stem cells to create neuron models, the study examines how different genetic factors, particularly the APOE gene, influence lipid metabolism in aging brains. The researchers aim to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind neuronal damage and impaired communication between neurons and other brain cells, which could lead to new treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that protect neurons and improve brain health in Alzheimer's patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding lipid metabolism in Alzheimer's, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Endeavor Health Clinical Operations
Evanston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duan, Jubao — Endeavor Health Clinical Operations
- Study coordinator: Duan, Jubao
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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.