Why some brain cells and networks are more vulnerable to harmful protein buildup
Network and cellular vulnerability to pathological protein progression
This project looks at how proteins linked to Alzheimer’s and related dementias, like tau and alpha‑synuclein, spread through connected brain cells and networks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11328810 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will map where abnormal proteins appear and how they move through the brain using detailed lab models that carry one or more protein pathologies. They will align these maps to a standard brain atlas to see which brain regions and cell types become affected first. The team will compare how the brain's wiring and vulnerable cell types influence spread and test how amyloid‑beta plaques change those patterns. Insights from these maps aim to point toward targets that could stop or slow pathological protein progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work is most relevant to people with Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, or mixed protein pathologies and to those interested in research on these conditions.
Not a fit: People whose cognitive problems are caused primarily by non‑protein issues, such as pure vascular dementia or other non‑neurodegenerative conditions, may not see direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to slow or block the spread of disease‑related proteins and help preserve thinking and memory.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown that tau and alpha‑synuclein can propagate along brain networks in animal models, but translating those findings into effective human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Grand Rapids, United States
- Van Andel Research Institute — Grand Rapids, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Henderson, Michael — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Henderson, Michael
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.