Mapping which brain cell types are most vulnerable in Alzheimer's using humanized mice
Multidimensional mapping of vulnerable cell types in humanized Alzheimer's disease mouse models
This project aims to find which brain cells are most harmed by Alzheimer’s-related proteins to help people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306622 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use newly developed mice that carry human Alzheimer’s genes alongside advanced single-cell and chromatin profiling methods to map how different brain cell types respond to amyloid and tau. They will combine molecular data from isolated neurons (including cells with tau aggregates) with existing human brain datasets to identify shared vulnerability patterns. The team will track molecular and chromatin changes across cell types to spot early signs of damage and pathways leading to cell death. All work is lab-based using the mouse models and high-resolution sequencing methods to produce a multidimensional cell atlas of vulnerability.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, or family members who are willing to donate brain tissue or take part in future related clinical studies would be most relevant to follow or contribute to this line of research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate symptom relief are unlikely to benefit directly because this is a lab-based, preclinical project using mouse models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal specific cell types and molecular pathways to target with future treatments or diagnostics for Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous single-cell studies of human Alzheimer’s brains have identified vulnerable neuron types, but applying humanized mouse models to test those molecular signatures is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cobos, Inma — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Cobos, Inma
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.