Understanding how certain brain cells are affected in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Multimodal characterization of the mechanisms of selective vulnerability of entorhinal cortical neurons
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10885344 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special brain cells in the entorhinal cortex that are some of the first to be harmed by Alzheimer's disease, to understand why they get damaged and how they change at both electrical and genetic levels, which could help us learn more about the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $453,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG084041-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10885344 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease or those at risk of developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the specific vulnerability of certain neurons in the entorhinal cortex, which are among the first to be affected in Alzheimer's disease. By examining these neurons at both the electrical and genetic levels, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to their degeneration. The researchers will use advanced techniques to analyze how these neurons behave and how their gene expression changes in the context of early Alzheimer's. This comprehensive approach could provide insights into why these neurons are particularly susceptible to damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting the mechanisms that make these neurons vulnerable.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neuronal vulnerability in Alzheimer's, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
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Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roussarie, Jean-Pierre — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Roussarie, Jean-Pierre
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.