Human brain cell model to study myelination and axon-synapse problems in Alzheimer’s
Official title: Engineering a Human Glial-Neuronal Microphysiological System to Study Myelination and Axonal-Synaptic Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Jackson Laboratory · NIH-11354973 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study will create a human cell model that mimics brain myelination and axon-synapse function to understand early changes in Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jackson Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bar Harbor, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $486,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG101690-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11354973 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This work is at the lab-model level and does not require patient participation, but findings may guide future studies in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation is required for this laboratory study.
What this research studies
Researchers will build a three-cell brain system in the lab that includes neurons, glial cells, and oligodendrocytes to study how axons and synapses are affected in Alzheimer’s disease. The model will resemble human brain tissue to explore how aging and myelin changes contribute to disease progression. This work aims to reveal early events linked to amyloid beta production and axonal transport problems that could inform future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this model could help identify early targets to slow or prevent Alzheimer’s-related brain damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous models lacking oligodendrocytes have not fully captured myelination; this tri-culture approach could provide more accurate insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Jackson Laboratory
Bar Harbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fossati, Valentina — Jackson Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Fossati, Valentina
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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.