Complement signaling in Alzheimer's disease: neuron and brain cell roles in memory loss
Official title: Complement signaling in Alzheimer's Disease pathogenesis
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11455073 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short, patient-friendly look at how a tiny part of the immune system in the brain may contribute to memory problems in Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $312,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AG098212-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11455073 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, or individuals at risk, may benefit from future therapies developed from this work.
✕Less likely to help
This grant focuses on basic mechanisms in animal models and may not directly involve patient participation.
What this research studies
This project explores how the immune system’s C3 signal and its receptor C3ar1 affect brain cells beyond microglia, including neurons, to influence memory and synaptic loss in Alzheimer's disease. By studying these pathways in animal models, researchers aim to pinpoint which cell types drive memory impairment and how to target them for therapies. The study builds on existing findings that links between neuronal C3ar1 signaling and memory changes, seeking to clarify non-microglial roles in disease progression. Results could guide future approaches to protect synapses and slow dementia in patients with Alzheimer's pathology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new brain-cell targets for therapies that protect memory in Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests cell-type specific roles of C3ar1 in the brain; this project seeks to extend those findings to neuronal signaling and memory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pillai, Anilkumar — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Pillai, Anilkumar
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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.