Understanding how a protein called SYK affects the brain's immune response in Alzheimer's disease
The protein tyrosine kinase SYK drives innate immune responses against Alzheimer's Disease
This research explores how a protein called SYK influences the brain's immune cells, called microglia, in Alzheimer's disease to find new ways to help patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11136284 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Alzheimer's disease causes memory loss and thinking problems due to harmful protein clumps in the brain. This project focuses on a specific protein, SYK, which plays a role in how the brain's immune cells, called microglia, respond to these clumps. Researchers believe that by understanding how SYK works, they can learn why microglia sometimes fail to clear these harmful proteins. They will use advanced techniques to see how SYK affects microglia and other immune cells in models of Alzheimer's and a related condition called cerebral amyloid angiopathy. The goal is to discover if targeting SYK could help microglia better protect the brain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not currently involve patient participation, but future clinical trials based on these findings would likely seek individuals with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing Alzheimer's disease or related conditions would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that boost the brain's natural ability to fight Alzheimer's disease by improving how immune cells clear harmful proteins.
How similar studies have performed: While the general role of microglia in Alzheimer's is known, the specific role of SYK signaling in this context is less understood, making this a novel area of exploration.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Colonna, Marco — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Colonna, Marco
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.