How brain injuries affect inflammation and Alzheimer's disease development
Official title: Aberrant PTEN signaling in chronically activated microglia drives tau pathology, neurodegeneration and cognitive decline following repetitive brain injury
Funded at Roskamp Institute, INC. · NIH-10885516 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how repeated mild brain injuries might lead to brain inflammation and increase the risk of Alzheimer's Disease, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how these injuries affect brain health over time and what new treatments might help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Roskamp Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sarasota, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $449,460 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG087181-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10885516 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries and are at risk for Alzheimer's Disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced any form of brain injury or those with advanced Alzheimer's Disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term effects of repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries (r-mTBI) on brain inflammation and the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease. It focuses on understanding how microglia, the brain's immune cells, change from a protective role to a harmful, inflammatory state after such injuries. By using a mouse model that mimics human brain injury, the researchers aim to uncover the underlying mechanisms that lead to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. The goal is to identify potential new therapies that could mitigate these effects and improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce the cognitive decline associated with brain injuries and Alzheimer's Disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Roskamp Institute, INC.
Sarasota, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ojo, Joseph O — Roskamp Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Ojo, Joseph O
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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.