How damaged DNA drives brain inflammation in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
DNA damage-induced inflammation and its brain-specific consequences
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11322520
This project tests whether fragments of damaged DNA inside brain cells trigger chronic inflammation that harms people with Alzheimer's disease and related conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11322520 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how bits of DNA that escape into the cytoplasm of brain cells provoke a harmful inflammatory response using lab models tied to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. They'll examine different brain cell types (neurons, microglia, and astrocytes) separately to see which cells release or respond to this cytoplasmic DNA. The team will track whether the DNA fragments come from the cell nucleus or mitochondria and will use DNA-repair blockers, mitochondrial stressors, and disease-related triggers like amyloid‑beta to mimic damage. The goal is to map the pathways that turn cell stress into chronic brain inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future related trials would be people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment who are interested in anti-inflammatory approaches.
Not a fit: People whose cognitive problems are caused by non-inflammatory conditions or who have very advanced disease are less likely to receive direct benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to reduce brain inflammation and slow symptom progression in Alzheimer's and similar neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and cell studies have linked cytoplasmic DNA and the cGAS/STING pathway to brain inflammation, but applying these findings to human treatments remains early and experimental.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HERRUP, KARL — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: HERRUP, KARL
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's disease model