Understanding how our bodies fight germs and age-related diseases
Membrane Protein Effectors of Pathogen Interactions With Host
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN · NIH-11086106
This project aims to understand how our body's defenses interact with germs and age-related conditions like Alzheimer's disease and macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11086106 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our bodies have natural defenses, but germs have found clever ways to get around them. This work looks at how these germs interact with proteins on our cells, which are also involved in age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and macular degeneration. We want to discover the exact ways these interactions happen, focusing on specific bacterial proteins and how certain blood proteins form deposits in these diseases. By filling this knowledge gap, we hope to better understand these complex health challenges.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research focuses on the underlying biological mechanisms of diseases like Alzheimer's and age-related macular degeneration.
Not a fit: Patients will not receive direct medical treatment or intervention from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of how infections and age-related diseases develop, potentially paving the way for new ways to diagnose, prevent, or treat them.
How similar studies have performed: While some aspects of immune evasion and disease pathology are known, this project aims to address significant gaps in our mechanistic understanding of these specific protein interactions.
Where this research is happening
MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES
- MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN — MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MARASSI, FRANCESCA M — MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
- Study coordinator: MARASSI, FRANCESCA M
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