Understanding how microglia contribute to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Neurodegenerative reprograming of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease
Funded at Advanced Science Research Center · NIH-11054042 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called microglia can sometimes hurt rather than help in Alzheimer's disease, and it hopes to find new ways to treat the condition by understanding these changes better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Advanced Science Research Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $442,357 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG085404-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054042 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with genetic factors such as the APOE4 allele.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurodegenerative forms of dementia or those without genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microglia, the brain's immune cells, in Alzheimer's disease by exploring how they can become harmful rather than protective. The study uses advanced mouse models to manipulate specific cellular stress pathways in microglia, allowing researchers to observe changes in their behavior and impact on brain health. By identifying the molecular mechanisms that lead to neurodegenerative microglia, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments aimed at modifying microglial function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent or reverse the harmful effects of microglia in Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding microglial roles in neurodegeneration, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Advanced Science Research Center
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ayata, Pinar — Advanced Science Research Center
- Study coordinator: Ayata, Pinar
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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.