Understanding Alzheimer’s: how brain support cells affect memory and how we might protect synapses
Official title: Multi-omics analysis of astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease to identify targets to prevent synapse loss
Funded at Salk Institute for Biological Studies · NIH-11368327 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how astrocytes, a type of brain support cell, influence synapse health in Alzheimer’s disease and whether fixing their secreted proteins can protect memory.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Salk Institute for Biological Studies NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $772,971 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG089578-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11368327 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia who may benefit from future therapies derived from astrocyte-targeted approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Results may not directly benefit people with non-Alzheimer’s dementias or individuals without synapse-related pathology.
What this research studies
This project examines how astrocytes change as Alzheimer’s progresses and how those changes affect synapse connections. By using two mouse models of disease, the team will map which astrocyte proteins are altered and which changes impact synapse function. They will test whether correcting specific proteins or overall protein secretion can preserve synapses and potentially slow cognitive decline. The work combines transcriptomic and proteomic data to identify actionable targets for therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new ways to protect synapses and slow symptoms of Alzheimer’s by targeting astrocyte biology.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show astrocyte changes relate to synapse health, with some targets proving modifiable in preclinical models, but this project explores novel, comprehensive astrocyte-secreted protein changes.
Where this research is happening
-
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allen, Nicola J — Salk Institute for Biological Studies
- Study coordinator: Allen, Nicola J
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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.