Investigating the role of astrocytes in prion diseases
Role of reactive astrocytes in prion diseases
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called astrocytes behave in prion diseases, which are serious conditions that affect the brain and currently have no cure, to see if they help or make things worse for people with these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10983755 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how reactive astrocytes contribute to prion diseases, which are fatal neurodegenerative conditions with no current treatments. The study aims to explore the dual nature of these astrocytes, determining whether they help or hinder disease progression. By examining animal models infected with prions, researchers will assess the physiological changes in astrocytes and their impact on neuronal health. This investigation could reveal critical insights into the mechanisms of neuroinflammation and its role in prion disease pathology.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with prion diseases or those at risk of developing such conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with non-neurodegenerative conditions or those not affected by prion diseases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating prion diseases and potentially other neurodegenerative disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of reactive microglia in neurodegeneration has been extensively studied, the specific investigation of reactive astrocytes in prion diseases is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baskakov, Ilia V — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Baskakov, Ilia V
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 below.