Visinin-like protein-1 and nicotinic receptors in Alzheimer’s and nicotine use disorders
Official title: Visinin-like protein-1 modulation of nicotinic receptors
Funded at University of Alaska Fairbanks · NIH-11384766 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at the University of Alaska Fairbanks explores how a protein called Visinin-like protein-1 affects brain receptors related to nicotine use and Alzheimer’s disease, with the goal of finding new ways to help people quit smoking and manage dementia symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alaska Fairbanks NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fairbanks, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $198,448 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM150455-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384766 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with Alzheimer’s disease dementia or nicotine use disorder who are able to participate in research activities.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without nicotine use disorder or Alzheimer’s-related cognitive concerns may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how brain receptors that respond to nicotine are regulated by a protein called Visinin-like protein-1, aiming to identify mechanisms that could be targeted to reduce nicotine craving and improve cessation. The research combines molecular approaches in human-relevant systems to understand receptor regulation tied to nicotine addiction and dementia. Findings could point toward new therapeutic strategies that support quit attempts and potentially impact cognitive symptoms linked to Alzheimer’s disease dementia. The study is conducted at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and involves adult participants in a development phase to translate basic findings toward patient-focused applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new strategies to help people quit smoking and potentially support cognitive health in Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows that modulating nicotinic receptors can alter nicotine addiction pathways, but specific protein-receptor interactions in this context are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weltzin, Maegan M — University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Study coordinator: Weltzin, Maegan M
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.