PU.1 gene and immune cells in Alzheimer's disease
Molecular genetic analyses of transcriptional dysregulation in Alzheimers disease
This research looks at how a gene called PU.1 changes brain immune cells (microglia) in people with Alzheimer's disease.
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-11308233 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, the team will study how the PU.1 gene influences microglia, the brain's immune cells, and how that affects amyloid beta and other Alzheimer-related changes. They will use human genetic data and lab models including single-cell RNA sequencing, protein analysis, and human stem-cell derived microglia and neurons to see which molecular pathways are altered. Advanced imaging (simultaneous PET-MRI), electrophysiology, and super-resolution microscopy will be used to link molecular changes to brain function and pathology. The goal is to map how altering PU.1 changes microglial behavior and neuronal health that relate to Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with Alzheimer's disease or individuals at high risk who can provide biological samples or travel for imaging or sample collection.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or unrelated neurological conditions, and those seeking immediate therapeutic benefit, are unlikely to gain direct short-term benefit from this basic science work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal microglial molecular targets that lead to new treatments to slow or prevent Alzheimer's progression.
How similar studies have performed: Related studies of microglial genes and use of single-cell and iPSC models have identified important Alzheimer's pathways (for example TREM2), but PU.1's specific role is less well established and is being explored here.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Jungsu — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Kim, Jungsu
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.