How brain cells interact during development and disease.
Mechanisms of Activity-dependent Microglia-neuron Interactions in Development and Disease
This study looks at how brain immune cells called microglia work with nerve cells during important times of brain growth and in certain diseases, to see how they help shape connections in the brain, which could lead to new treatments for brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10611898 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between microglia, a type of immune cell in the brain, and neurons during critical periods of brain development and in disease states. It focuses on how neural activity influences microglia to prune synapses, which are the connections between neurons. By understanding the signals that guide microglia in deciding which synapses to eliminate, the research aims to uncover common mechanisms that may be targeted for therapeutic interventions. The study employs advanced techniques to analyze these cellular interactions and their implications for brain health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with developmental disorders or neurodegenerative diseases that affect brain function.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to synaptic pruning or those without neurological issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for neurological disorders by targeting the mechanisms of synaptic pruning.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding microglial functions and their role in brain health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stevens, Beth Ann — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Stevens, Beth Ann
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.