Understanding how brain cells called astrocytes change in Alzheimer's Disease
Official title: Dysregulation of cortical astrocytes in models of Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11133130 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called astrocytes change as Alzheimer's disease gets worse, to help us understand early signs of problems that might affect thinking and attention in people with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $461,146 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG087186-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133130 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, particularly those in the early to advanced stages of the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or cognitive impairment unrelated to Alzheimer's Disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) by examining how their function is altered as the disease progresses. The study will utilize advanced imaging techniques to observe astrocytic and noradrenergic signaling in animal models of AD, focusing on how these changes affect attention, arousal, and cognitive functions. By analyzing these interactions, the research aims to uncover the early signs of dysfunction in astrocytes that may contribute to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the mechanisms of Alzheimer's Disease, potentially paving the way for innovative treatments that target astrocytic dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant anatomical research on astrocytes in Alzheimer's, this approach combining novel imaging techniques is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cardin, Jessica a — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Cardin, Jessica a
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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.