How brain support cells protect nerve fibers in Alzheimer's
Mechanisms of axonal protection by astrocytes and microglia inAlzheimer disease
This project tests whether support cells in the brain called microglia and astrocytes form a protective barrier around Alzheimer’s plaques that helps protect nerve fibers in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238941 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will watch how microglia and astrocytes respond to amyloid plaques using very high‑resolution imaging in both mouse models and human brain tissue. They will do live imaging in animals and manipulate single cells to see which cell behaviors protect nearby nerve fibers. The team will compare normal and genetically altered mice with known immune-cell defects to understand how breakdowns in this barrier lead to axonal damage. Findings from human brain samples will be used to link what is seen in mice to human Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment who can participate in imaging studies or consider brain tissue donation for research.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer’s or those seeking an immediate treatment are unlikely to directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to boost glial protective barriers and reduce nerve fiber damage, potentially slowing Alzheimer’s progression.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies showed microglial encapsulation can make plaques less toxic, and this project builds on that work while adding a focus on astrocytes and human tissue.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grutzendler, Jaime — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Grutzendler, Jaime
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.