How brain immune cells and the SYK protein affect Alzheimer's
Microglia dysregulation and SYK signaling in Alzheimer's disease
This project tests whether changing a protein called SYK in brain immune cells (microglia) can slow or prevent Alzheimer's disease in people with or at risk for the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11456933 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how SYK controls different activation states of microglia across ages and stages of amyloid (Aβ) buildup. They will use human genetic and transcriptomic data, experiments on human-derived samples and cells, and mouse models where SYK activity is changed to see how microglia respond. The team will pay special attention to how SYK works with the receptor TREM2 and whether altering SYK affects amyloid clearance and neurodegeneration. Results will help decide if targeting SYK in microglia could be developed into future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for related participation would be people with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment and those at high risk who can donate samples or take part in observational components.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this primarily lab- and sample-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that slow or prevent Alzheimer’s by shifting microglia toward protective behavior.
How similar studies have performed: Related lab and animal studies have suggested microglia and TREM2 pathways are promising targets, but human therapies targeting these pathways remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kitazawa, Masashi — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Kitazawa, Masashi
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.