Investigating how early tau pathology affects brain cell interactions
Official title: Probing the Toxic Effects of Early Stage Tau Pathology on Microglial Modulation of Neuronal Circuits Using iPSC Hippocampal Assembloids
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11039755 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells interact with each other in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, using special cells from patients to help us understand what happens as the disease progresses, which could lead to new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $433,125 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG091113-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039755 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with genetic predispositions to Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with MAPT mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without genetic risk factors for tau pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the interactions between microglia, a type of brain cell, and neurons in the context of early tau pathology, which is associated with Alzheimer's disease. Using advanced techniques, the study will create models from patient-derived cells to observe how changes in neurons influence microglial behavior and vice versa. The goal is to understand the mechanisms that drive disease progression, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies. Patients' induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) will be utilized to create these models, allowing for a detailed examination of cellular interactions in a controlled environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatments for Alzheimer's disease by targeting the interactions between microglia and neurons.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding microglial-neuron interactions in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rexach, Jessica E — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Rexach, Jessica E
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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.