Investigating how microglia signaling affects Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Microglia dysregulation and SYK signaling in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10659670 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called microglia behave in Alzheimer's disease to find new ways to help improve brain health and potentially create better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,764,653 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG078201-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10659670 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk of developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cognitive impairment not related to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of microglia, a type of immune cell in the brain, in Alzheimer's disease (AD). It aims to identify how different activation patterns of microglia can influence the progression of AD, particularly through the signaling molecule SYK and its interaction with TREM2. By studying these mechanisms, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic targets that could modify the disease's course. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments aimed at improving brain health in Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that slow down or alter the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding microglial roles in neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kitazawa, Masashi — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Kitazawa, Masashi
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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.