Different types of brain immune cells (microglia) in Alzheimer's
Dissecting the origin, regulation and function of microglial subsets in Alzheimer's disease
Researchers are looking at different kinds of brain immune cells called microglia to find which ones may help or harm people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321210 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a family member has Alzheimer's, this project focuses on brain immune cells called microglia and a subgroup named disease-associated microglia (DAM) that gather near Alzheimer's plaques. Scientists will compare microglia from mouse models and human brain samples using single-cell RNA sequencing and epigenetic tests to see how these cells start and change over time. They will study whether early-life activation leaves lasting epigenetic marks that alter microglial responses later in life. Understanding which microglia are protective or harmful could guide future treatments that target the right cells at the right time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates include people 65 or older with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia, or individuals willing to donate brain tissue or other biological samples for research.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's, much younger adults, or anyone expecting immediate treatment effects are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify specific microglial targets for new Alzheimer's therapies or prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have found disease-associated microglia and linked microglial genes to Alzheimer's risk, but translating these findings into treatments is still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Qingyun — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Li, Qingyun
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.