The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded a $467,000 research grant to support a groundbreaking project investigating the role of water molecules in Alzheimer’s disease.
The three-year study, titled “Internal Water Dynamics in Hydration Shells of Amyloid-Beta Species,” will be led by Dr. Liliya Vugmeyster as Principal Investigator, with Dr. Dmitry Ostrovsky serving as Co-Principal Investigator.
Understanding Plaque Formation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the buildup of toxic amyloid-beta plaques in the brain. While these plaques have long been studied, much less is known about how water molecules interact with amyloid-beta peptides during plaque formation and stabilization. This project will investigate both naturally occurring peptide sequences and chemically modified variants associated with early or sporadic onset of the disease.
By examining the hydration shells—the layers of water molecules surrounding amyloid-beta peptides—researchers hope to uncover fundamental mechanisms that contribute to plaque aggregation. This knowledge could provide new insights into how plaques form and persist, potentially pointing to novel therapeutic strategies for slowing or preventing the progression of Alzheimer’s
This new project reflects the NIH’s ongoing commitment to supporting innovative, cross-disciplinary research aimed at tackling neurodegenerative diseases. By combining advanced biophysical methods with molecular insights, the study has the potential to provide a deeper understanding of one of the most challenging aspects of Alzheimer’s disease.