How a brain immune cholesterol byproduct (25‑hydroxycholesterol) may drive inflammation and neuron loss in Alzheimer’s
Role of the microglial immune-oxysterol 25-hydroxycholesterol in mediating neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the P301S tau transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
This research looks at whether a cholesterol-related immune molecule called 25‑hydroxycholesterol increases brain inflammation and neuron loss linked to Alzheimer’s, which could point to new ways to protect people with or at risk for the 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-11307106 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using a tau mouse model (P301S/PS19) and laboratory studies to see how microglia produce 25‑hydroxycholesterol (25HC) and how that chemical affects brain inflammation and neuron loss. They will compare effects across APOE types, including the high-risk APOE ε4, and manipulate the enzyme CH25H that makes 25HC to test whether lowering 25HC reduces damage. The team will also examine how 25HC alters cholesterol handling in astrocytes and how those changes interact with tau pathology. This is preclinical work in mice and cells aimed at finding molecular targets that could lead to future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients and is conducted using mouse models and laboratory samples rather than human volunteers.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment benefits are unlikely to gain direct benefit because this is basic preclinical laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal a new inflammation-related cholesterol target to help slow Alzheimer’s-related inflammation and neuron loss.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work shows CH25H and 25HC are increased in Alzheimer’s brain tissue and preliminary mouse data link 25HC to neurodegeneration, but translating these findings into therapies is still novel and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cashikar, Anil G — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Cashikar, Anil 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.