Developing tools to study a specific type of brain immune cell in neurological diseases
Official title: Molecular Tool Development to Identify, Isolate, and Interrogate the Rod Microglia Phenotype in Neurological Disease and Injury
Funded at Arizona Veterans Research and Education Foundation · NIH-11014069 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special immune cells in the brain called rod microglia to learn more about their role in conditions like Alzheimer's, with the hope that this research will help improve how we diagnose and treat these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona Veterans Research and Education Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Phoenix, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $628,748 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG077768-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014069 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias, as well as those who have experienced acquired brain injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological conditions not related to Alzheimer's Disease or acquired brain injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating new molecular tools to identify and study rod microglia, a unique type of immune cell in the brain that has been linked to various neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. By analyzing these cells, researchers aim to better understand their role in neuroinflammation and brain injury. The study utilizes advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing to explore the genetic characteristics of rod microglia, which could lead to breakthroughs in diagnosing and treating neurological diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for patients with Alzheimer's Disease and related neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the investigation of rod microglia is relatively novel, previous research has shown promise in understanding microglial roles in other neurological conditions, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona Veterans Research and Education Foundation
Phoenix, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lifshitz, Jonathan — Arizona Veterans Research and Education Foundation
- Study coordinator: Lifshitz, Jonathan
Related research
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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.