Understanding how insulin in brain cells affects Alzheimer's disease
Project 2 - Astrocytic insulin signaling and AD
This research explores how boosting insulin signals in specific brain cells called astrocytes might help improve brain function in people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126086 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains have special cells called astrocytes that are vital for brain health and metabolism. In Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, these cells don't work as well, and we believe targeting them could open new treatment avenues. This project aims to discover new ways astrocytes communicate and function in the brain. We are testing if increasing insulin signaling specifically in astrocytes can normalize brain changes often seen in Alzheimer's, such as issues with blood flow, energy use, and nerve cell activity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding disease mechanisms in animal models, so it is not currently recruiting human patients but aims to benefit those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in the future.
Not a fit: Patients without Alzheimer's disease or related dementias would not directly benefit from this specific research focus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that target astrocytes to improve brain health and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have performed: This project aims to discover previously uncharacterized pathways and signals in astrocytes, representing a novel approach to understanding and potentially treating Alzheimer's disease.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thibault, Olivier — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Thibault, Olivier
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.