How problems in cellular recycling affect communication between neurons and glial cells in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Molecular impact of endolysosomal dysfunction on neuron-glia communication pathways
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11031936 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with a recycling process in brain cells affect communication between nerve cells and support cells in Alzheimer's disease, and it aims to find ways to slow down or prevent the disease by understanding these changes better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 29, 2023 |
| Project end | April 28, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $22,289 |
| NIH project number | 5F32AG079666-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031936 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, including those with a family history or genetic predispositions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without any genetic risk factors for the condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how disruptions in a cellular recycling process, known as retromer-dependent cargo recognition, impact communication pathways between neurons and glial cells in Alzheimer's disease. By using genetically engineered stem cell-derived models, the study aims to understand how these disruptions lead to inflammation in glial cells, which are crucial for brain health. The research will also explore the effects of specific genetic mutations on microglial function in aging mice, providing insights into the early stages of dementia. This approach could help identify potential therapeutic targets for slowing down or preventing Alzheimer's disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for delaying or preventing the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cellular processes related to Alzheimer's disease, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morshed, Nader Francis — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Morshed, Nader Francis
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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.