How brain support cells make nets around Alzheimer's plaques
Dissect regulation of glial nets surrounding amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease
Looking at whether blocking a protein called Plexin‑B1 in brain support cells can reduce harmful amyloid plaques and inflammation in people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321744 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies how astrocytes and microglia (the brain's support cells) form tight 'glial nets' around amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's. Researchers found the protein Plexin‑B1 is higher in these support cells in people with late‑onset Alzheimer's and that removing it changed glial nets and plaque features in mice. The team will combine human tissue and -omics data with experiments in mouse models to see how altering Plexin‑B1 affects plaque burden, microglial coverage, and nerve cell damage. The aim is to see if blocking Plexin‑B1 can lower plaque-related inflammation and protect brain cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease—particularly those in early to moderate stages or those willing to donate brain tissue or other samples—would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without amyloid-related Alzheimer's, healthy volunteers, or those in very late-stage disease may not receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, blocking Plexin‑B1 could reduce amyloid plaques and brain inflammation, which might slow nerve damage and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies support changing glial (support cell) responses to alter plaques, but targeting Plexin‑B1 is a novel approach that has not yet shown clinical success in people.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Friedel, Roland Horst — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Friedel, Roland Horst
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.