Investigating the role of a specific receptor in brain inflammation and Alzheimer's disease.
Official title: DARC, Inflammaging and Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11017001 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation in the brain might affect memory and thinking as we get older, especially in African Americans, by exploring a specific gene called DARC that helps control this inflammation, and it uses animal models to see how changes in this gene could impact the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $741,989 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG080984-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017001 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old, particularly those of African American descent who may carry specific genetic variations related to DARC.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 21 years old or do not have the genetic variations associated with DARC may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how chronic inflammation in the brain contributes to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease as people age. It examines the Duffy Antigen Receptor for Chemokines (DARC), which helps regulate inflammatory signals in the brain. By studying genetic variations in DARC, particularly in African Americans, the research aims to uncover how these differences may influence the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The approach includes using animal models to observe the effects of DARC on cognitive function and inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting inflammation in the brain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of inflammation in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Xin-Yun — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Lu, Xin-Yun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.