A new partnership between BrightFocus Foundation’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research program and Dementia Alliance of North Carolina (DANC) will provide critical early support to an emerging investigator advancing exciting Alzheimer’s disease research in North Carolina.
The organizations will co-fund a $300,000, three-year grant to Todd Cohen, PhD, associate professor at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, for his research project, Harnessing the Protein CHIP/STUB1 to Reduce Alzheimer’s Brain Pathology. Dr. Cohen is joined by co-principal investigators Nicolas Brown, PhD, and Jonathan Schisler, PhD.
The grant, named in honor of Lina Mae Edwards, recognizes the support of Guardian Angel Thrift, which funds Dementia Alliance of North Carolina’s programs and research through proceeds from its thrift stores.
Dr. Cohen’s innovative research focuses on a protein called CHIP/STUB1 and its ability to prevent harmful tau protein aggregation—a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. By engineering variants of CHIP that enhance its protective functions, his work aims to reduce tau pathology and improve cognitive outcomes. This line of investigation could pave the way for novel gene therapy approaches to treating Alzheimer’s and related tauopathies.
“We’re thrilled to continue our relationship with Dementia Alliance of North Carolina through this special award. This award is especially near and dear to us, because we truly believe it will open up new avenues for future therapies for Alzheimer’s patients.”
“This partnership underscores our shared vision of supporting bold, innovative science while nurturing talented investigators in North Carolina,” said Stacy Pagos Haller, President and CEO of BrightFocus Foundation. “We are excited to work with Dementia Alliance of North Carolina to accelerate research that could transform our understanding and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.”
“This collaboration with BrightFocus Foundation is a meaningful step forward for families in North Carolina and beyond who are living with the realities of Alzheimer’s every day,” said Lisa Levine, Senior Director of Programs for Dementia Alliance of North Carolina. “We’re proud to help support Dr. Cohen’s promising work at UNC, right here in our home state, and to be part of a partnership that brings real hope through science, innovation, and local impact.”
The partnership also includes plans to promote cutting-edge research to the public, engage local experts and scientists in national conversations, and strengthen the pipeline of Alzheimer’s researchers in the state through BrightFocus’ Alzheimer’s Fast Track program and other career development opportunities.
