Investigating how myelin affects brain function and memory in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Developing a cell-on-chip platform to study oligodendrocyte-neuron interactions in plasticity and neurodegeneration
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10753372 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain cells called oligodendrocytes and neurons work together, especially how the protective layers around nerve fibers, called myelin, affect brain activity and memory, with the goal of finding new ways to understand and possibly improve thinking and memory problems in conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $428,563 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG084253-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10753372 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults and individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related neurodegenerative disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute neurological injuries or those without cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the interactions between oligodendrocytes and neurons, particularly how myelin sheaths influence brain activity and memory formation. By developing a cell-on-chip platform, the researchers aim to explore how neuronal activity regulates the formation of myelin and how these processes are disrupted in neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The study will utilize advanced techniques to observe myelination patterns and their impact on cognitive functions, which could lead to new insights into age-related cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to enhance myelination and improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing myelination in preclinical models, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights into neurodegeneration.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schuele, Birgitt — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Schuele, Birgitt
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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.