Investigating how genetic mutations in brain cells affect Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Role of clonal somatic mutations in microglia activation and Alzheimer’s disease
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-10901003 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in the brain's immune cells, called microglia, might affect Alzheimer's disease as people get older, and it hopes to find new ways to help treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $883,191 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG079857-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901003 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk due to age and genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurodegenerative conditions or those without a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of clonal somatic mutations in microglia, the brain's immune cells, and their connection to Alzheimer's disease (AD). By examining how these mutations accumulate with age, the study aims to understand their impact on neuroinflammation and neuronal loss in AD. Patients with Alzheimer's may have specific genetic changes in their microglia that contribute to disease progression, and this research will utilize advanced sequencing technologies to analyze these mutations. The findings could lead to new insights into the mechanisms of AD and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting the underlying mechanisms of neuroinflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of genetic mutations in neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Yue — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Huang, Yue
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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.