Understanding how microglia contribute to Alzheimer's disease

Neurodegenerative reprograming of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease

NIH-funded research Advanced Science Research Center · NIH-11054042

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAdvanced Science Research Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11054042 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with genetic factors such as the APOE4 allele.

Not a fit: Patients with non-neurodegenerative forms of dementia or those without genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.