A brain immune-cell receptor (GPR56) and its link to Alzheimer's
Official title: GPCR-dependent microglial function in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Saint Louis University · NIH-11470744 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Testing whether changing activity of a microglial receptor called GPR56 can reduce Alzheimer's brain plaques and related damage in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Saint Louis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00AG081694-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11470744 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with Alzheimer's disease, particularly older adults with early-stage or mild pathology, would be the group most likely to benefit from future therapies informed by this work.
✕Less likely to help
People without Alzheimer's or those whose symptoms are caused by non-plaque mechanisms may not see direct benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
This work looks at how a receptor called GPR56 on microglia — the brain's immune cells — affects Alzheimer's-related plaque build-up and microglial behavior. Researchers use genetically modified 5xFAD mouse models with altered Gpr56 to measure plaque-associated microglia, plaque burden, and related brain changes. They also analyze human brain data showing higher GPR56 in microglia from people who died with early-stage Alzheimer's to connect the mouse findings to humans. The aim is to understand whether GPR56 helps microglia protect the brain and could point toward future treatment targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify GPR56 as a new target to help microglia clear plaques and slow Alzheimer's progression.
How similar studies have gone: Research targeting microglia has shown promise in animal models, but GPR56-focused work is a novel, primarily preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Beika — Saint Louis University
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Beika
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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.