BIN1 in microglia and Alzheimer's disease: how a immune cell protein shapes inflammation
Official title: Microglial function of GWAS risk factor BIN1 in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and inflammatory signaling
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-11396508 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how BIN1, a protein in brain immune cells, affects inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $710,135 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG079141-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11396508 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease who could benefit from therapies targeting microglial inflammation in the brain.
✕Less likely to help
There may be no direct benefit for individuals not affected by Alzheimer's disease or without relevant risk factors.
What this research studies
If this project succeeds, it will reveal how BIN1 in microglia controls inflammatory signals that may drive Alzheimer's disease. Researchers will use cultured microglia and genetically modified mice to see how reducing BIN1 changes gene programs related to inflammation and disease-associated microglia. They will profile gene expression and test how BIN1 influences interferon responses and downstream pathways, aiming to connect BIN1 activity with brain inflammation in Alzheimer's. The work could point to new mechanisms that link genetics to neuroinflammation and disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A clearer understanding of how BIN1 in brain immune cells contributes to Alzheimer’s-related inflammation, which could guide future therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior data suggest BIN1 influences microglial inflammatory genes, supporting a plausible path to impact, though the exact role in humans requires confirmation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thinakaran, Gopal — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Thinakaran, Gopal
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.