How a brain cell cleanup pathway called LANDO controls inflammation in Alzheimer's
Regulation of LC3-associated endocytosis and neuroinflammation
This research tests whether boosting a natural cleanup pathway in brain immune cells can reduce inflammation and protect memory for people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238459 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, the team is studying a natural process in brain immune cells (microglia) called LANDO that helps clear toxic amyloid and limit inflammation. They will use lab and disease models to find the proteins and steps that control LANDO and how it prevents harmful inflammatory signaling. The researchers will test whether restoring or mimicking LANDO can stop neuron loss and memory problems in their models. If those lab results are promising, the work could move toward drugs or clinical tests to target this pathway in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment who are interested in future trials targeting brain inflammation would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's disease or whose cognitive symptoms are due to other causes are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific line of work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that reduce harmful brain inflammation and slow memory loss in Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is relatively new: animal and laboratory studies, including this team's prior work, show promising improvements but it has not yet been proven in human trials.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- University of South Florida — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heckmann, Bradlee L — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Heckmann, Bradlee L
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.