Glutamate transport and brain blood flow changes in Alzheimer's disease
Dysregulation of glutamate transporter-dependent neurovascular coupling in Alzheimer's disease
Researchers are exploring whether changes in glutamate transport in brain support cells alter local blood flow and energy use in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11298971 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, this project examines how astrocytes (brain support cells) use glutamate transporters and ion exchangers to signal nearby blood vessels and control local blood flow. The team uses laboratory imaging and molecular methods (including two-photon imaging and cellular models) to compare normal and Alzheimer’s-model brains and to track calcium signals, mitochondrial positioning, and vessel responses. They aim to see if this transporter-dependent neurovascular coupling is weakened in Alzheimer's and how mitochondria and Na+/Ca2+ exchange contribute. Results will map cellular steps that could explain reduced blood flow and energy use seen in Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: If the work progresses to human studies, ideal candidates would likely include people with early Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment related to AD.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's disease or those with very advanced, irreversible brain damage would be unlikely to benefit directly from this basic-mechanism project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new targets for restoring brain blood flow and energy support in Alzheimer's, which might slow cognitive decline.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown astrocyte glutamate transport can drive calcium signals and vessel dilation, but applying this pathway specifically to Alzheimer's pathology is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Drexel University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jackson, Joshua Goodyear — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Jackson, Joshua Goodyear
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.