Understanding how microglia regulate progranulin levels in the brain

Microglial regulation of Progranulin levels

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-10765631

This study is looking at how certain brain cells help control a protein called progranulin, which is important for brain health and linked to diseases like Alzheimer's, to find new ways to treat or prevent these conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-10765631 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of microglia, a type of immune cell in the brain, in regulating levels of progranulin, a protein linked to various neurological disorders. The study focuses on genetic mutations that affect progranulin levels and their connection to conditions like Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. By exploring the cellular mechanisms involved, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets that could help restore normal progranulin levels and improve brain health. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how these processes can be manipulated to treat or prevent neurodegenerative diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults with genetic mutations affecting progranulin levels or those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or frontotemporal lobar degeneration.

Not a fit: Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not associated with progranulin levels or those without genetic mutations affecting this protein may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve outcomes for patients with neurodegenerative diseases linked to progranulin deficiency.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of progranulin in neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, 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 dementiaAlzheimer syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.