How brain drainage, good cholesterol, and immune cells affect a condition linked to Alzheimer's
Interplay between meningeal lymphatics, high-density lipoproteins and border macrophages in cerebral amyloid angiopathy
['FUNDING_P01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11136273
This project explores how the brain's waste removal system, good cholesterol, and immune cells work together in a brain condition often seen in Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11136273 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our bodies have a system to clear waste and cholesterol, involving special vessels called lymphatics and immune cells called macrophages. This project looks at how a type of "good" cholesterol, called HDLA1, travels through tissues and interacts with these immune cells to remove cholesterol. We are particularly interested in how these processes work in the brain, specifically in a condition called cerebral amyloid angiopathy, which is related to Alzheimer's disease. By understanding these basic mechanisms, we hope to learn more about how the brain clears harmful substances and how this might go wrong in diseases like Alzheimer's. We use advanced techniques, including a special mouse model, to track these processes in detail.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy or Alzheimer's disease dementia may eventually benefit from the knowledge gained from this fundamental research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical intervention will not receive benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to understand and potentially treat conditions like cerebral amyloid angiopathy and Alzheimer's disease by improving the brain's waste clearance.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this lab has successfully demonstrated how good cholesterol travels through tissues and its role in cholesterol transport.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RANDOLPH, GWENDALYN J — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: RANDOLPH, GWENDALYN J
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia