Targeted viral tools to correct brain cell imbalance in Alzheimer’s
Enhancer-AAVs to monitor and restore cell-type selective inhibitory deficits and circuit dysfunction in humanized Alzheimer's disease models
Using tailored viral tools to watch and fix specific brain cell problems that may underlie memory and thinking difficulties in people with Alzheimer’s.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | J. David Gladstone Institutes NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11210318 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use two cell-type-specific enhancer AAVs to separately monitor and manipulate parvalbumin and somatostatin interneurons in humanized mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease, including APOE ε4 models. These viral tools allow recording of cell activity in freely moving animals and targeted restoration of inhibitory signaling where it is lost. The team will apply a machine-learning behavioral analysis (ML‑VAME) to detect subtle changes in movement and cognition after the manipulations. The approach aims to link specific interneuron dysfunction to the network and memory problems seen in Alzheimer’s.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this is preclinical work, the findings would be most relevant to people with Alzheimer’s disease, especially those who carry the APOE ε4 risk gene and might join future clinical trials based on this work.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer’s or whose symptoms come from other non‑Alzheimer’s brain conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new approaches that restore normal brain rhythms and improve memory and thinking in people with Alzheimer’s.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies show restoring interneuron activity can improve network function and cognition, but the dual cell-type enhancer-AAV strategy and ML‑VAME behavioral analysis are novel.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- J. David Gladstone Institutes — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Palop, Jorge J — J. David Gladstone Institutes
- Study coordinator: Palop, Jorge J
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.