Why pyrophosphate imbalance may cause harmful calcium buildup in the brain, eye, and blood vessels
Project 4 - Mechanisms of pyrophosphate dysregulation
This project looks at whether imbalances in a natural molecule called pyrophosphate let calcium build up in the eyes, brain, and blood vessels, which could matter for people with Alzheimer's disease, age-related macular degeneration, or vascular calcification.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11390468 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses laboratory and mouse-model experiments to study how the balance between pyrophosphate (PPi) and phosphate (Pi) controls unwanted calcium deposits in tissues linked to aging diseases. Researchers examine genetic mouse models that show ectopic calcification and compare their findings to human tissue features like drusen in the eye. The team measures PPi/Pi ratios and the enzymes that regulate them to understand why calcification happens outside bone. Results are being studied for links to Alzheimer’s disease, age-related macular degeneration, and vascular disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease, age-related macular degeneration, or known vascular calcification who can provide medical records or biological samples and/or travel to Milwaukee would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without these conditions or whose disease is caused by mechanisms unrelated to abnormal calcification are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could point to new ways to prevent or reduce abnormal calcium deposits and potentially slow or lessen symptoms of Alzheimer’s, AMD, and vascular calcification.
How similar studies have performed: Work in bone and dental biology has clearly shown pyrophosphate prevents calcification, but applying those insights to the brain, eye, and blood vessels is relatively new and not yet proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Millan, Jose Luis — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Millan, Jose Luis
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.