Brain immune cells' recycling centers and why some nerve cells are vulnerable
Microglial lysosomes and selective neuronal vulnerability
This work looks at whether the recycling centers inside brain immune cells (microglia) help explain why certain neurons break down more with age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308202 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are studying how microglia — the brain's immune cells — change with age in different brain areas and how their lysosomes (the cell's recycling centers) affect nearby synapses. The team will use laboratory experiments, including mouse models and detailed cell and tissue studies, to watch microglial behavior, lysosome activity, and synapse health over time. They will focus on regions that control dopamine neurons, where early inflammation may harm vulnerable nerve cells. The goal is to link specific microglial changes to local synapse loss and neuron decline.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with age-related movement or cognitive problems tied to basal ganglia/dopamine neuron loss (for example Parkinsonian syndromes) or individuals willing to contribute tissue or clinical data would be most relevant to this line of research.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to brain aging or basal ganglia disorders are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for therapies that protect vulnerable neurons and slow age-related decline or neurodegeneration.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies show microglia can shape synapses, but focusing on microglial lysosomes to explain region-specific neuronal vulnerability is a relatively new direction.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Biase, Lindsay Mitchell — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: De Biase, Lindsay Mitchell
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.