Using microRNA to improve brain health in Alzheimer's Disease
Official title: Targeting specific MicroRNA to alleviate Alzheimer’s Disease pathobiology
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11012896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a tiny molecule in the brain might be making it harder for the brain to get rid of harmful proteins that contribute to Alzheimer's Disease, and it hopes to find ways to lower this molecule to help improve brain health and slow down the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $671,739 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082113-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's Disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a specific microRNA affects the brain's ability to clear harmful proteins associated with Alzheimer's Disease. By studying the role of this microRNA in brain immune cells called microglia, the research aims to understand how its elevated levels contribute to the disease's progression. The team will explore ways to reduce this microRNA to enhance the clearance of amyloid-beta, a toxic protein linked to Alzheimer's. This approach could lead to new strategies for alleviating the symptoms and progression of Alzheimer's Disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve cognitive function and slow the progression of Alzheimer's Disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting microRNAs for neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Amer, Amal O — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Amer, Amal O
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.