Clusterin's effect on myelin-making brain cells in Alzheimer's
Understanding the impact of Clusterin on the oligodendrocyte lineage in AD
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-11297655
This project will see if the protein clusterin changes how the brain's myelin-making cells behave in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11297655 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research looks at a protein called clusterin and how it may change oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, the cells that make and repair myelin in the brain, in the context of Alzheimer's. The team will combine lab experiments in mice with analysis of human brain tissue, genetic data about a common CLU risk variant, and imaging/molecular measures of white matter. By comparing findings across models and human samples, they aim to find why these myelin-making cells fail to repair damage in Alzheimer's. The project is lab-focused and seeks targets that could eventually lead to new therapies for protecting or restoring myelin.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease, older adults at risk for late-onset Alzheimer's, or individuals who carry the CLU genetic risk variant are the most relevant groups for this research.
Not a fit: Those seeking an immediate treatment are unlikely to benefit directly because this is preclinical and mechanism-focused laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new targets to protect or restore myelin in Alzheimer's, which might slow cognitive decline over time.
How similar studies have performed: Related studies have linked clusterin to Alzheimer's and to white-matter changes, but the specific role of clusterin in oligodendrocyte progenitors and myelin repair is largely untested and represents a novel direction.
Where this research is happening
CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA — CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GAULTIER, ALBAN P — UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- Study coordinator: GAULTIER, ALBAN P
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome