How brain support cells called astrocytes affect prion disease progression
Role of reactive astrocytes in prion diseases
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-11232357
Researchers are finding out whether changes in brain support cells called astrocytes make prion diseases get worse or help protect people with prion-related dementia.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11232357 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses mice infected with prions to see how brain support cells called astrocytes change during illness and how those changes affect neurons. The team isolates reactive astrocytes from infected animals to test whether they harm or help neurons in lab dishes and measures how astrocyte features predict how quickly disease appears. They will also alter astrocyte behavior in animals to see if changing these cells slows disease progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with prion disease, those with genetic risk, or family members interested in following research advances are the most relevant patient group for this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or people with non-neurologic conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this animal-focused laboratory research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatment targets that slow or prevent neurologic decline in prion disease and possibly other dementias.
How similar studies have performed: Most prior neuroinflammation work has focused on microglia, so targeting astrocytes is a relatively new approach with limited prior demonstration of clinical benefit.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BASKAKOV, ILIA V — UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
- Study coordinator: BASKAKOV, ILIA V
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, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease