PLCG2 gene variants and their effects on Alzheimer's risk
Impact of PLCG2 Alzheimer's Disease Risk Variants on Microglia Biology and Disease Pathogenesis
This project looks at whether two changes in the PLCG2 gene make Alzheimer’s disease more or less likely by studying how they change brain immune cells called microglia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176295 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are using mouse models that carry human PLCG2 gene variants linked to higher or lower Alzheimer’s risk to see how those changes affect microglia behavior and disease features like plaque buildup and memory problems. They will compare a suspected risk variant (M28L) and a protective variant (P522R) to learn whether one reduces PLCG2 function while the other boosts it. The team will examine molecular signaling in microglia, brain pathology in the mice, and links between the gene changes and disease progression. The goal is to understand mechanisms so future therapies could target microglial pathways.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This specific grant does not enroll people, but its results are most relevant to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or those known to carry PLCG2 variants.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer’s disease and those without PLCG2-related biology are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to modify immune-cell activity in the brain and point to targets for therapies that slow or prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have performed: Genetic studies have already linked the P522R PLCG2 variant to lower Alzheimer’s risk, but comprehensive functional tests in disease models remain relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lamb, Bruce T — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Lamb, Bruce T
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.