Boosting brain immune proteins AXL and MERTK to slow Alzheimer's memory loss
Augmenting AXL and MERTK function to restrain cognitive decline and improve health span in mouse models of Alzheimer's Disease
This work boosts two immune-related proteins in brain support cells to try to slow memory loss linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11457055 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are working with mouse models of Alzheimer's to learn how brain immune cells called microglia use proteins TREM2, AXL, and MERTK to control damage and clear toxic material. They use genetic tools and molecular approaches to increase AXL (and study MERTK) to see whether that can stop or slow cognitive decline seen in the mice. The team will map the order and roles of these proteins in microglia and how that affects plaque handling and memory. Results could point toward new drug targets that aim to harness the brain's own cleanup cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment are the most likely future candidates for therapies that come from this research.
Not a fit: People with very advanced Alzheimer's or other non-Alzheimer dementias may be less likely to benefit from these specific approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to treatments that slow or stop memory decline in people with Alzheimer's by boosting protective microglial functions.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting microglial receptors such as TREM2 has shown promising results in mouse studies, and early preclinical data suggest AXL augmentation can halt decline in animal models, but human testing remains limited.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rothlin, Carla — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Rothlin, Carla
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.