How brain cells break down amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Role of microglial lysosomes in amyloid-A-beta degradation
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10734289 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called microglia help break down harmful clumps of protein linked to Alzheimer's disease, with the hope of finding ways to slow down the disease's progress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,684,689 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG078244-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10734289 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those showing early signs of cognitive decline related to amyloid accumulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia not related to amyloid pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how microglial cells in the brain use a process called digestive exophagy to break down large aggregates of beta-amyloid, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease. The researchers will study the interactions between microglia and beta-amyloid plaques, focusing on how these cells form specialized structures to degrade the plaques. By observing these processes in laboratory models, they aim to understand the mechanisms that could help limit the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing the brain's ability to clear amyloid plaques, potentially slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of microglia in amyloid degradation, but this specific approach to digestive exophagy is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maxfield, Frederick R. — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Maxfield, Frederick R.
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.