How brain support cells' signaling may drive Alzheimer's
Astrocytic OSMR/JAK/STAT signaling in AD
This project tests whether blocking a signaling pathway (OSMR/JAK/STAT) in brain support cells called astrocytes can reduce Alzheimer’s-related brain damage and memory loss in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11295484 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how astrocytes (brain support cells) change during Alzheimer’s by looking at human Alzheimer brains and Alzheimer model mice. They will manipulate the OSMR/JAK/STAT pathway in astrocytes using genetic deletion and antibody blockade to see how those changes affect other brain cells and disease markers. The team will measure Alzheimer’s-related pathology and memory-related behaviors in mice and compare molecular signatures with human tissue. Findings aim to link astrocyte signaling changes to disease progression and identify possible treatment targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (or their families) who are willing to provide clinical information, participate in tissue donation programs, or join future clinical studies related to this pathway would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer’s disease or those seeking an immediate treatment benefit should not expect direct benefit, since much of the work is preclinical and focused on understanding disease mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new therapies that slow or reduce brain damage and memory decline by targeting astrocyte signaling.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies and human tissue observations implicate JAK/STAT signaling in Alzheimer’s and show that blocking this pathway in mice can reduce Alzheimer-like pathology, but translating these findings to safe, effective human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Augusta, United States
- Augusta University — Augusta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Qin — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Qin
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.