Understanding how brain cells handle toxic protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases
Official title: Mechanisms of mutant huntingtin aggregate engulfment and spreading by phagocytic glia
Funded at Rowan University · NIH-10908848 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells help deal with harmful protein clumps linked to diseases like Huntington's, to understand how they might both help and hurt the brain over time, which could lead to new ways to treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rowan University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Glassboro, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $332,366 |
| NIH project number | 7R15NS128847-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908848 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly those associated with mutant huntingtin protein, such as Huntington's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not related to protein aggregation or those in very early stages of disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of phagocytic glia, a type of brain cell, in managing toxic protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly focusing on mutant huntingtin aggregates. The study aims to uncover how these glial cells respond to the presence of these aggregates and how their actions may contribute to the spread of toxicity in the brain. By examining both the beneficial and harmful responses of glia over time, the research seeks to clarify the mechanisms behind the progression of neurodegenerative conditions. This could lead to new insights into potential therapeutic strategies for managing these diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve the clearance of toxic protein aggregates in the brain, potentially slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of glial cells in neurodegeneration, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rowan University
Glassboro, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pearce, Margaret Panning — Rowan University
- Study coordinator: Pearce, Margaret Panning
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.