How brain immune cells control nerve activity in TDP‑43 dementia
Official title: Microglial regulation of neuronal activity in TDP-43 neurodegeneration
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11457085 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at whether brain immune cells called microglia can calm overactive neurons in dementias tied to TDP‑43 to help protect thinking and memory.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $711,702 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AG082314-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11457085 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias who are interested in research on underlying TDP‑43 disease mechanisms would be most connected to this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking an immediately available treatment or a clinical trial to join likely would not benefit directly because this is preclinical lab research in animals.
What this research studies
This project uses a mouse model that mimics the TDP‑43 protein problems seen in some forms of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Researchers use advanced live two‑photon imaging to watch microglia (the brain's immune cells) and neurons over time, including measuring microglial calcium signals and how microglia align along neuronal branches. They will map different microglial activation patterns, track neuron hyperactivity during disease progression, and test how microglia influence cortical circuits. All work is done in the lab with animal models to reveal mechanisms that could inform future patient treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to target microglia to reduce neuron overactivity and slow cognitive decline in TDP‑43‑related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal studies show microglia can change neuron activity, but applying these findings specifically to TDP‑43 driven neurodegeneration is relatively new and not yet proven in people.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Long-Jun — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Wu, Long-Jun
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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.