How daily body clocks affect overactive brain cells in Alzheimer's
Circadian changes in network excitability and Alzheimer disease pathogenesis
This project looks at whether disrupted daily body clocks make certain brain cells overactive in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11379924 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how the brain's daily clock (circadian rhythm) controls the activity of certain fast‑spiking inhibitory brain cells that normally prevent other cells from becoming overactive. Using Alzheimer's mouse models, they will record electrical activity, measure gene expression in parvalbumin‑positive (PV+) interneurons, and manipulate molecular clock genes to see how rhythms affect excitability and pathology. Experiments will compare day/night differences in brain circuits tied to memory and determine whether clock disruption increases seizure‑like activity and Alzheimer‑related changes. The goal is to understand mechanisms that could guide therapies to stabilize brain activity by restoring healthy daily rhythms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with early Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment, especially those who have noticeable sleep or circadian rhythm problems, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People with very advanced Alzheimer's or those without any sleep or circadian disturbance may not see direct benefits from these basic laboratory findings in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to protect brain circuits or restore daily rhythms to slow or reduce Alzheimer's‑related brain hyperactivity.
How similar studies have performed: Previous patient and animal studies have linked circadian disruption and brain hyperexcitability to Alzheimer's, but focusing on PV+ interneuron molecular clocks is a newer and less‑tested angle.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberson, Erik D — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Roberson, Erik D
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.