Investigating how genetic mutations in brain cells affect Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Role of clonal somatic mutations in microglia and Alzheimer’s disease
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11172649 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in brain immune cells might play a part in Alzheimer's disease, with the hope that what we learn could help create new treatments for people affected by this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $866,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG088082-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11172649 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults who are at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-onset Alzheimer's or those without any genetic predisposition to the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of genetic mutations in microglia, the immune cells of the brain, and how these mutations may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. By examining the accumulation of somatic mutations in these cells, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that link age and genetic factors to neuroinflammation and neuronal loss. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting microglial function in Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of microglial mutations in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could 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.