Astrocyte proteins linked to dementia in Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s
Astrocyte-secreted proteins as modulators of neurodegeneration in Down Syndrome and Alzheimers Disease
Looks at whether proteins released by brain support cells (astrocytes) affect nerve cell connections and memory in adults with Down syndrome who develop Alzheimer changes and in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11393920 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project compares proteins that astrocytes (brain support cells) release in Down syndrome with Alzheimer changes and in Alzheimer’s disease to find ones that go up or down. Researchers use animal models that mimic Down syndrome and genetic mouse models, together with single-nucleus RNA sequencing of brain cells, to map which astrocyte proteins are altered. They follow up on promising proteins, like pleiotrophin, that were found to be much lower in some models and test how those changes affect nerve cell structure. The goal is to link specific secreted proteins to the loss of synapses and dementia-related changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with Down syndrome who are 21 or older and at risk for Alzheimer's changes, and adults diagnosed with Alzheimer disease dementia.
Not a fit: This project is unlikely to directly benefit children with Down syndrome or people without Alzheimer-related brain changes in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new protein targets that protect synapses and slow or prevent dementia in people with Down syndrome and in Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mouse and human brain-cell sequencing studies have reported astrocyte protein changes (including lower pleiotrophin), but translating those findings into therapies is still new and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brandebura, Ashley N — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Brandebura, Ashley N
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.