Understanding why certain neurons are more affected by Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Molecular mechanisms of selective vulnerability of neurons to tauopathy
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11030822 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why some brain cells are more affected by Alzheimer's disease than others, hoping to find new ways to protect those cells and improve treatments for people with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $670,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082141-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030822 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms that make some neurons more vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By studying the differences in gene expression between vulnerable and resilient neurons, the researchers aim to identify potential therapeutic targets that could protect neurons from damage. The approach involves advanced techniques like single-nucleus RNA sequencing to analyze human brain tissue. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments aimed at slowing or preventing neuronal loss in Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that protect neurons from the damaging effects of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying molecular pathways in Alzheimer's, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kampmann, Martin — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Kampmann, Martin
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.