Investigating how microglia affect brain health in alcohol use disorder and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: 3D Human neurocircuits to determine the role of microglia in AUD and Alzheimer's neuronal pathology
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10999918 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called microglia might play a role in both alcohol use disorder and Alzheimer's disease, using special 3D brain models to see how alcohol affects brain cell health and function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $223,531 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AA031414-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999918 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder or those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of alcohol use or who are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of microglia, a type of immune cell in the brain, in the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). By using advanced 3D human neurocircuits, the study aims to understand how alcohol impacts neuronal metabolism and activity, potentially leading to neurodegeneration. The researchers will investigate how proinflammatory microglia may contribute to these changes by altering the metabolism of neurons, which could provide insights into the mechanisms linking AUD and AD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating alcohol-related brain damage and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding the role of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases can lead to significant advancements, suggesting this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
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Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coleman, Leon Garland — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Coleman, Leon Garland
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.