How brain support cells influence tau-related damage in Alzheimer's
Functional analysis of glia in tauopathy
Researchers are looking for which brain support cells and genes change how tau protein harms nerve cells in Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11297637 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses powerful genetic tools in fruit flies to study how glia — the brain's support cells — affect tau-related brain damage linked to Alzheimer's. Scientists will turn up or turn down genes, including ones found in human Alzheimer’s genetic studies, and run broad screens to see which changes make tau toxicity better or worse. The team has already shown their fly system can detect non‑cellular effects where glia influence nearby neurons. Findings are meant to point to specific glial pathways that could be studied next in mammals and, eventually, in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll people, but patients with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk could be future beneficiaries of therapies developed from these discoveries.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment or clinical enrollment will not benefit directly because the work is laboratory research in flies rather than a patient trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new glial targets or pathways that lead to treatments or tests to slow or prevent tau-driven neurodegeneration.
How similar studies have performed: Related genetic screens in model organisms have uncovered pathways later studied in mammals, but translating fly findings into human therapies remains challenging.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feany, Mel B — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Feany, Mel B
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.