Understanding how vitamin C transport is affected in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Molecular mechanisms underlying reduced vitamin C transport process in Alzheimer's disease and its impact on neuroinflammation
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11125200 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how people with Alzheimer's disease may not get enough vitamin C and how that might lead to inflammation in the brain, with the goal of finding ways to help improve vitamin C absorption for better brain health in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $314,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AG087936-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11125200 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who may be experiencing vitamin C deficiency.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Alzheimer's disease or those who do not have issues related to vitamin C absorption may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind reduced vitamin C transport in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and how this deficiency may contribute to neuroinflammation. The study focuses on the role of vitamin C as an antioxidant and its importance in brain health, particularly in older adults. Researchers will explore the expression of vitamin C transporters in the brain and intestines, examining how age and inflammation may impact their function. By understanding these processes, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for improving vitamin C absorption in AD patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing vitamin C levels in Alzheimer's patients, potentially slowing disease progression and reducing inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated the importance of vitamin C in brain health, but this specific investigation into its transport mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Subramanian, Veedamali S — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Subramanian, Veedamali S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.