Using cerebrospinal fluid vesicles to identify Alzheimer's disease biomarkers
Official title: Human Cerebrospinal Fluid Extracellular Vesicles: Utility as Disease Specific Biomarkers and Impact on Alzheimer's Disease Pathology
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11055368 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny particles in the fluid around your brain to see if they can help doctors better identify Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment, which could lead to more accurate diagnoses and a clearer picture of how the disease progresses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $748,595 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG079356-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055368 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are experiencing cognitive decline or have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of extracellular vesicles found in cerebrospinal fluid as potential biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD). By analyzing the molecular content of these vesicles, the study aims to improve the classification of patients with AD and mild cognitive impairment compared to healthy individuals. The approach includes measuring specific miRNAs and proteins associated with AD pathology, such as amyloid beta and Tau proteins. This could lead to more accurate diagnostic tools and better understanding of disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, improving patient management and treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saugstad, Julie Anne — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Saugstad, Julie Anne
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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.