How brain support-cell fat (ceramide) affects aging and Alzheimer's
Role of glial sphingolipid ceramide in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Researchers are testing whether buildup of a brain fat called ceramide in support cells contributes to memory loss in older adults and people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m Agrilife Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249652 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work will measure ceramide levels and the activity of the enzyme sphingomyelinase in both mouse models of amyloid pathology and human Alzheimer's brain samples. Scientists will look at how ceramide accumulates in astrocytes and microglia, and how that buildup may harm oligodendrocytes and myelin. Lab experiments will manipulate ceramide-related enzymes to see how changing ceramide levels affects inflammation and cell vulnerability. The goal is to link these molecular changes to the kinds of brain decline seen with aging and Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease, related dementias, or older adults with age-associated cognitive decline could potentially contribute samples or join related clinical efforts tied to this research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate treatment are unlikely to benefit directly because this is lab-focused, early-stage research rather than a clinical therapy trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new ways to prevent or slow memory loss by targeting harmful ceramide buildup in the brain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked higher ceramide levels and increased sphingomyelinase activity to aging and Alzheimer's, but translating these findings into patient treatments remains early and unproven.
Where this research is happening
College Station, UNITED STATES
- Texas A&m Agrilife Research — College Station, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Jianrong — Texas A&m Agrilife Research
- Study coordinator: Li, Jianrong
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.