Developing tools to study brain immune cells and their role in diseases like Alzheimer's.
Official title: Bioengineering Tools to Resolve and Manipulate Neuroimmune Signaling
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-10687761 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how special brain cells called microglia work and how they might be linked to diseases like Alzheimer's, with the goal of developing new tools to better understand and potentially treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tempe, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,336,458 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2MH136493-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10687761 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 neurodegenerative conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurodegenerative conditions or those not diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding microglia, the immune cells in the brain that are involved in various psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. The team aims to create innovative bioengineering tools that allow for the manipulation and observation of these cells in living organisms. By using advanced techniques such as MRI and engineered human microglial precursor cells, the research seeks to uncover the biological functions of microglia and their involvement in disease mechanisms. This could lead to new insights into how to treat or prevent conditions like Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using bioengineering tools to study immune responses in the brain, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Tempe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bartelle, Benjamin B — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Bartelle, Benjamin B
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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.