Understanding how certain brain cells contribute to neuron damage in frontotemporal dementia
Elucidating the Role of Microglia and Neurotrophin Receptor p75 on Neuronal Degeneration in Frontotemporal Dementia
['FUNDING_CAREER'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11001155
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the brain might affect the health of nerve cells in people with frontotemporal dementia, and it hopes to find new ways to help treat the condition, inviting patients to share samples or join in related research.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_CAREER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11001155 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microglial cells, which are immune cells in the brain, in the degeneration of neurons in frontotemporal dementia (FTD). By using advanced techniques like single-nucleus RNA sequencing on postmortem brain tissue and a human stem cell model derived from patients, the study aims to uncover how these microglial cells may influence neuronal health and contribute to disease progression. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms of FTD and potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies. Patients may be able to contribute to this research by providing biological samples or participating in related studies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia or those with a family history of the condition.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia that do not involve microglial activation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent neuronal degeneration in patients with frontotemporal dementia.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of microglia in other neurodegenerative diseases has been studied, this specific focus on frontotemporal dementia is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HARGUS, GUNNAR — COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: HARGUS, GUNNAR
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease