Investigating how astrocytes release ATP in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Astrocytic exocytosis of ATP in amyloid pathology and Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11129185 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special type of brain cell called astrocytes behaves in Alzheimer's disease, specifically how they release a molecule that affects brain function, to see if changing this process can help reduce harmful plaques and improve thinking skills in people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $187,000 |
| NIH project number | 7R03AG083363-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129185 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or neurodegenerative diseases unrelated to amyloid pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in Alzheimer's disease by examining how they release ATP, a molecule that can influence brain function. The study aims to explore how the accumulation of amyloid-beta peptides, which are linked to Alzheimer's, affects astrocytic ATP release and how this process may contribute to neuroinflammation and cognitive decline. By using animal models, the researchers will investigate whether reducing ATP release can decrease amyloid plaque formation and improve cognitive function. This approach could provide insights into new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting astrocytic ATP release in Alzheimer's is novel, related research has shown promise in understanding the role of astrocytes in neurodegenerative diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cai, Weikang — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Cai, Weikang
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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.