How certain inhibitory brain cells in the visual system may relate to Alzheimer's
Connectivity and function of inhibitory neurons in the primate visual cortex
This project will learn how specific inhibitory nerve cells in primate visual cortex work and how that knowledge could help people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11319199 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are mapping and testing specific inhibitory neurons in the primate visual cortex using new cell-targeting viral tools. They use marmosets and enhancer-based AAV vectors (for example h56D and S5E2) to label, monitor, and manipulate distinct inhibitory cell types such as PV, SST, VIP, and LAMP5 neurons. By seeing how these cells connect and shape cortical activity, the team hopes to connect cell-level changes to brain network problems seen in conditions like Alzheimer's. The work is preclinical and focused on basic brain circuit function in animals as a step toward future human applications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not enroll patients directly, but it focuses on biological mechanisms relevant to people living with Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatments or clinical care will not receive direct benefit from this preclinical, non‑therapeutic work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to precise cellular targets for therapies that correct network dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease and guide new treatment approaches.
How similar studies have performed: Mouse genetic studies have successfully mapped inhibitory neuron classes and roles, but translating enhancer-AAV targeting and functional findings to primates is relatively new and less proven.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Angelucci, Alessandra — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Angelucci, Alessandra
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.