Investigating atypical astrocytes in aging and Alzheimer's Disease
Official title: Atypical astrocytes in aging and Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-11088823 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells change as we get older and how these changes might be linked to Alzheimer's Disease, with the goal of finding new ways to understand and possibly improve brain health as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $816,096 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG085666-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088823 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults who are experiencing cognitive decline or have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have any cognitive impairments or neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how astrocytes, a type of brain cell, change as we age and how these changes may relate to Alzheimer's Disease. The study aims to identify a new type of astrocyte, called atypical astrocytes, which lose important proteins that help regulate brain function. By examining these cells in both aging models and human brains, researchers hope to uncover the mechanisms behind their formation and their potential impact on brain health. This could lead to new insights into how aging affects the brain and contribute to developing strategies for Alzheimer's Disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for preventing or treating Alzheimer's Disease by targeting the mechanisms behind atypical astrocyte formation.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of astrocytes in brain health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dulla, Chris G — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Dulla, Chris G
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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.