How immune cells in the brain affect nerve cell activity in neurodegenerative diseases
Official title: Microglial regulation of neuronal activity in TDP-43 neurodegeneration
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11080601 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain immune cells called microglia help manage nerve cell activity when there are problems related to a protein linked to neurodegenerative diseases, using a special mouse model to see how these cells behave and interact with nerve cells, which could help find new treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's or ALS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,675,749 |
| NIH project number | 7RF1AG082314-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080601 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, frontotemporal lobar dementia, or Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative conditions not related to TDP-43 protein aggregation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microglia, the immune cells in the brain, in regulating nerve cell activity during neurodegeneration associated with TDP-43 protein. Using a specialized mouse model that mimics neurodegenerative conditions, the researchers will observe how microglia respond to changes in neuronal activity and their potential protective roles. The study employs advanced imaging techniques to visualize microglial behavior and interactions with neurons over time, aiming to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the protective functions of microglia, potentially slowing down or reversing neurodegeneration.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that targeting microglial activity can have beneficial effects in other neurodegenerative models.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Long-Jun — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Wu, Long-Jun
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.