Helping brain immune cells clear harmful Alzheimer's protein
Modulating microglial function to restore A-beta proteostasis in Alzheimer's Disease
This work is trying to help brain immune cells called microglia remove toxic amyloid protein in older adults with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11175356 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is studying microglia, the brain's immune cells, to understand why they fail to clear amyloid-beta protein that builds up in Alzheimer's. They will examine how certain genes and the enzyme ACE affect microglial cleaning using laboratory models, cultured cells, and animal experiments that mimic aging and disease. By changing microglial activity and amyloid processing they aim to restore healthier protein handling and reduce harmful brain inflammation. Although much of the work is lab-based, the findings could guide new treatments and future human trials for people with Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 65 or older with Alzheimer's disease or related memory impairment would be the likely candidates for future trials based on this research.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's, younger individuals, or those with other non-amyloid dementias are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new therapies that help the brain clear amyloid and reduce inflammation, potentially slowing cognitive decline in Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Similar laboratory and animal studies have shown promising effects on amyloid clearance, but those results have not yet produced a proven treatment for people with Alzheimer's.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tourtellotte, Warren G — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Tourtellotte, Warren G
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.