How the brain's protective 'nets' may affect memory in Alzheimer's
Extracellular matrix and memory impairments in Alzheimer disease
This work looks at whether breakdown of protective nets around certain brain cells leads to memory problems in people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11307145 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is studying specialized 'nets' (perineuronal nets) that surround neurons in a memory-related part of the brain to see if they are damaged in Alzheimer's. They will compare human brain tissue from people with Alzheimer's to results from widely used mouse models of the disease. Using detailed 3D imaging and lab tests, they will look for enzymes linked to inflammation that might chew up these nets and weaken connections between cells. In mice, researchers will also alter these nets and test social memory to see if protecting the nets helps preserve memory.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with Alzheimer's disease, especially those with early memory changes or families willing to consider brain donation after death, would be the most relevant for this work.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or whose memory problems are due to non‑Alzheimer causes are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to protect brain connections and slow or prevent certain memory problems in Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies and postmortem human reports have noted changes to these nets in Alzheimer's, but translating that into treatments is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sontheimer, Harald W — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Sontheimer, Harald W
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.