How a specific protein complex affects brain immune cells in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: The regulation of the microglial response to amyloid-beta plaques by the polycomb repressive complex 2
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10987038 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein complex affects the brain's immune cells in response to harmful plaques linked to Alzheimer's disease, using specially modified mice to see how these immune cells behave and protect the brain, which could help find new treatments for the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AG079492-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987038 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with amyloid-beta accumulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to amyloid-beta pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein complex called polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) in regulating the brain's immune cells, known as microglia, in response to amyloid-beta plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease. By studying genetically modified mice, the researchers aim to understand how PRC2 influences microglial behavior and their protective functions against plaque toxicity. The approach includes examining the signaling pathways involved and the transcriptional changes that occur in microglia when PRC2 is deficient. This research could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing the brain's immune response to Alzheimer's disease, potentially slowing disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding microglial responses in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Challman, Matthew Francis — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Challman, Matthew Francis
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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.