Investigating a new biomarker for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Official title: Targeting P2RX7 Signaling as a Biomarker for ADRD
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10931562 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation in the brain might help doctors spot early signs of Alzheimer's and similar diseases, so they can find better ways to track the disease and see how well treatments are working.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $248,796 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG083791-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931562 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not related to Alzheimer's or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how inflammation in the brain can serve as an early indicator of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The team aims to identify and develop biomarkers that can help clinicians recognize individuals at risk for these conditions, assess the severity of the disease, and evaluate treatment effectiveness. By targeting the P2X7 receptor, which is activated during neuroinflammation, the researchers hope to create better tools for monitoring disease progression and response to therapies. This approach utilizes advanced animal models that closely mimic human neuroinflammation, enhancing the relevance of the findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, ultimately enhancing patient care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting neuroinflammation as a biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases, but this specific approach using the P2X7 receptor is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Territo, Paul Richard — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Territo, Paul Richard
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.