How astrocyte genes support brain circuit function
Astrocyte Transcriptional Dependencies in Brain Circuits
This project studies how specific genes in support cells called astrocytes keep brain circuits working, aiming to learn things that could help people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11337468 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists will map which transcription factors — the gene-controlling proteins — are essential for mature astrocytes in different brain regions. They will use molecular and genetic tools in adult brain tissue and animal models to turn specific transcription factors on or off and watch how astrocytes and their circuits respond. Early findings show some factors are critical in one brain area but not others, so the team will chart these region-specific dependencies across the brain. The work is aimed at revealing astrocyte mechanisms that could be targeted to protect circuits affected in Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with Alzheimer's disease, people with related memory problems, or older adults willing to donate tissue or join future clinical work would be the most relevant candidates for follow-up studies.
Not a fit: People without neurodegenerative conditions or much younger individuals are unlikely to see any direct benefit from this basic laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new molecular targets in astrocytes to protect brain circuits and inform treatments that slow or prevent Alzheimer-related damage.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown that certain transcription factors shape astrocyte behavior regionally, but translating these findings into therapies remains an early and developing area.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deneen, Benjamin — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Deneen, Benjamin
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.