Why nerve fibers become vulnerable in Alzheimer’s and related brain diseases
Identifying mechanisms that regulate local axon vulnerability to pathological degeneration
Researchers are trying to find what makes the long nerve fibers in the brain break down in Alzheimer’s and similar disorders so future treatments can protect them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11307671 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at local, self-destruct programs inside axons (the long cables of neurons) that cause them to degenerate in diseases like Alzheimer’s. Scientists will focus on key enzymes such as NMNAT2 and SARM1 and on how autophagy and stress signals change axon survival. Most work will use laboratory models to see how NMNAT2 levels are controlled in segments of axons and how blocking destructive signals might preserve axon integrity. The goal is to identify targets that could be developed into therapies to keep brain connections working.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer’s disease or related neurodegenerative conditions could be potential future candidates for related trials or for donating samples to support this research.
Not a fit: Patients looking for immediate treatment are unlikely to benefit directly because this is laboratory-focused, mechanism-building research rather than a clinical therapy trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to protect nerve fibers and slow or prevent loss of brain connections in Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have shown that boosting NMNAT2 or blocking SARM1 can protect axons in model systems, but translating these findings into effective human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Summers, Daniel — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Summers, Daniel
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 below.