3D human brain models showing how microglia affect alcohol-related and Alzheimer's brain damage
3D Human neurocircuits to determine the role of microglia in AUD and Alzheimer's neuronal pathology
Using lab-grown 3D human brain circuits, researchers aim to learn how immune brain cells (microglia) and alcohol change neuron metabolism and contribute to damage in people with alcohol use disorder and Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195705 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would hear that scientists grow 3D human brain circuits from human cells to mimic how real brain tissue works. They add microglia (the brain's immune cells) and alcohol-related chemicals to see whether microglia change neuron metabolism, release excess lactate, and cause lipid buildup in neurons. The team measures neuron activity, survival, and metabolic changes using molecular tests and imaging in these lab-grown circuits. By recreating these interactions, researchers hope to reveal mechanisms linking alcohol-related brain damage and Alzheimer’s-type neuronal pathology.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Findings would be most relevant to people with alcohol use disorder and to people with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease, who might later be candidates for targeted therapies informed by this work.
Not a fit: People with brain conditions unrelated to alcohol use or Alzheimer’s pathology (for example some movement disorders or purely genetic developmental disorders) may not benefit directly from these specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new metabolic pathways or targets that lead to treatments to prevent or slow alcohol-related brain damage and Alzheimer’s neuronal decline.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked proinflammatory microglia to alcohol-related brain damage and to worsening Alzheimer’s pathology, but using 3D human neurocircuits to directly test a microglia-to-neuron metabolic (lactate) mechanism is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coleman, Leon Garland — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Coleman, Leon Garland
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.