Investigating how insulin signaling in brain cells affects Alzheimer's disease
Project 2 - Astrocytic insulin signaling and AD
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY · NIH-10897079
This study is looking at how a special type of brain cell called astrocytes can help improve brain function in people with Alzheimer's disease by boosting insulin signaling, and it uses advanced techniques to see how these changes affect brain activity in mice that have similar issues.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10897079 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By enhancing insulin signaling specifically in astrocytes, the study aims to restore normal brain functions that are disrupted in Alzheimer's. Researchers will use advanced techniques, including intranasal insulin delivery and two-photon microscopy, to observe changes in brain activity and metabolism in mouse models that mimic Alzheimer's pathology. The goal is to identify new therapeutic pathways that could improve brain health in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, particularly those experiencing metabolic dysfunction.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia not related to Alzheimer's or those without metabolic issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve brain function and quality of life for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting brain cell functions to improve outcomes in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY — LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: THIBAULT, OLIVIER — UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
- Study coordinator: THIBAULT, OLIVIER
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 below.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus, Alzheimer disease dementia