How brain immune cells and ApoE shape Alzheimer's
Role of Microglia in Neurodegeneration -Effect of ApoE
['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11305298
Researchers are looking at how microglia (brain immune cells) and different forms of the ApoE protein affect toxic protein buildup and inflammation in Alzheimer's, especially for people with the APOE ε4 risk gene.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11305298 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team will use mouse models that develop misfolded brain proteins similar to those in Alzheimer's to study how microglia change during disease. They will compare ApoE made by astrocytes (lipid-rich ApoE) with ApoE made by activated microglia (lipid-poor ApoE) and test how these forms affect clearance of toxic proteins versus inflammatory damage. The work specifically examines how the APOE ε4 risk variant alters microglial behavior and disease progression. Results aim to point to processes that could be targeted to reduce harmful inflammation or improve removal of toxic proteins.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, or those who carry the APOE ε4 gene would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's pathology or without APOE-related risk variants are less likely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new ways to reduce damaging brain inflammation or boost removal of toxic proteins, leading to potential new treatments for Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that ApoE and microglia influence Alzheimer's-related protein clearance and inflammation, but the specific effects of microglial versus astrocyte ApoE pools and their lipidation are less well tested.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SADOWSKI, MARTIN JOSEPH — NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: SADOWSKI, MARTIN JOSEPH
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