Senescent microglia and Alzheimer's progression
Investigating the Impact of Novel Senescent Microglia in Alzheimer's Disease Progression
This project looks at whether clearing aged (senescent) brain immune cells called microglia can slow Alzheimer's disease in lab models.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11401333 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will identify and characterize a subset of microglia that show signs of cellular aging in Alzheimer's models using protein, gene, and spatial mapping approaches. They will use a new transgenic mouse that allows selective removal of these senescent microglia and then measure effects on Alzheimer-like brain pathology and behavior in the mice. This is preclinical, lab-based work intended to see if these aged microglia drive disease and could be a target for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll people; its findings could eventually guide clinical trials for people with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment or those with non-Alzheimer dementias would not directly benefit from these mouse-based experiments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to a new way to slow or prevent Alzheimer's by targeting senescent microglia.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies removing senescent cells have shown promising results, but selectively targeting senescent microglia is a newer approach with no proven benefit in humans yet.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Yi — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Yi
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.