Understanding how proteins affect the blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease: New Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Strategies
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11024117 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two proteins, amyloid β and tau, affect the blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer's disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help improve treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $758,744 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG090534-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11024117 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, particularly those experiencing cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or cognitive impairment unrelated to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how two proteins, amyloid β (Aβ) and tau, contribute to the dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which tau affects this barrier and to explore potential therapeutic strategies to repair the damage caused by these proteins. By examining how these proteins interact and lead to cognitive decline, the research seeks to provide insights that could lead to new treatments for AD. Patients may benefit from advancements in therapies that target these mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that repair blood-brain barrier dysfunction in Alzheimer's patients, potentially slowing cognitive decline.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of tau-induced barrier dysfunction are not well-studied, related research has shown promise in targeting blood-brain barrier dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hartz, Anika M.s. — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Hartz, Anika M.s.
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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.