Investigating how microglia respond to brain activity in awake mice
Official title: Behavioral state-dependent microglia Ca2+ dynamics
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-10757921 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain immune cells called microglia respond to activity in awake mice, which could help us understand their role in keeping our brains healthy and how they might be involved in conditions like inflammation and memory problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $193,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH129960-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10757921 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurodegenerative diseases or conditions associated with neuroinflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute neurological injuries or those not experiencing neuroinflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores a newly discovered calcium signaling mechanism in microglia, the immune cells of the brain, that occurs in response to active behavior and neuronal activity in awake mice. By using advanced experimental techniques, the study aims to understand how these signals influence microglial functions such as cell movement and the release of signaling molecules. The findings could provide insights into the role of microglia in brain health and disease, particularly in conditions involving neuroinflammation and cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases by targeting microglial calcium signaling.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of investigating microglial calcium dynamics in awake behaving mice is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding microglial functions in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paukert, Martin — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Paukert, Martin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
LRP1 controls NSC movement and stroke recovery
This NIH grant studies how a brain receptor called LRP1 helps neural stem cells move to stroke injuries and support recovery in adults.
-
Rural microvascular factors driving brain aging and dementia
This project will study how blood vessel problems in rural communities contribute to brain aging and dementia, using mobile clinics to reach people who live far from major medical centers.
-
How COVID-19 infection and genes may influence memory and dementia risk
This study looks at how getting COVID-19 and a person’s genes together affect the chance of developing memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
-
Gene editing therapies to prevent epileptic seizures
A new gene-editing approach aims to reduce seizures in people with epilepsy by directly modifying a brain gene tied to the condition.
-
Blocking the IL-4/13 pathway in allergic asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis to understand why treatments work differently
A high-quality clinical trial will test a targeted therapy in people with allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis to understand why symptoms and responses vary.
-
Hormonal Influences on Inflammation in Endometriosis
A study in adult women with endometriosis looks at how hormones and immune pathways interact to influence inflammation and symptoms.
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.