Understanding how fat droplets in brain cells affect Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Elucidating roles of microglial lipid droplets in neurodegeneration
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11004655 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny fat droplets in brain immune cells called microglia affect their ability to help keep our brains healthy, especially in people with Alzheimer's disease, and it hopes to find new ways to support these cells to slow down the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AG081100-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004655 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease or those in the early stages of the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without any genetic predisposition to the condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of lipid droplets in microglial cells, which are crucial for brain health, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD). By studying mouse models, the research aims to understand how changes in lipid metabolism in these immune cells influence their function and the progression of AD. The approach involves examining how microglia transition between different states in response to amyloid beta accumulation and tau protein aggregation, which are hallmarks of AD. The findings could provide insights into new therapeutic strategies targeting microglial activity to slow down or modify the disease course.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that modify the progression of Alzheimer's disease, potentially improving outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting microglial lipid metabolism is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding microglial roles in neurodegeneration.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tabor, George Travis — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Tabor, George Travis
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.