Understanding how lysosomes function in neurons affected by Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Moving and shaping neuronal lysosomes in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11072693 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in brain cells help control tiny structures called lysosomes, which are important for understanding Alzheimer's disease, and it hopes to find new ways to improve their function to help people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $605,486 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG085824-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072693 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 non-neurodegenerative conditions or those without any cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that control the functions of lysosomes and late endosomes in neurons, which are crucial for understanding Alzheimer's disease. The study focuses on specific proteins, JIP3 and JIP4, that play a role in regulating lysosome activity and their interactions with other cellular components. By exploring how these proteins operate differently in neurons, the research aims to uncover insights into the accumulation of lysosomes near amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's. This could lead to new strategies for modulating lysosome function for therapeutic purposes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating Alzheimer's disease by improving lysosome function in neurons.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting lysosome function in neurons is novel, related research has shown promise in understanding neurodegenerative diseases through similar mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferguson, Shawn — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Ferguson, Shawn
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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.