Unusual brain support cells that appear with aging and Alzheimer's
Atypical astrocytes in aging and Alzheimer's Disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON · NIH-11310735
This project looks at whether certain brain support cells called astrocytes change during aging and in people with Alzheimer's, reducing the brain's ability to clear waste and regulate signals.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11310735 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team will examine brain tissue from aging mouse models and donated human samples and use high-resolution imaging and electrical recordings to find astrocytes that have lost important proteins (EAATs, Kir4.1, AQP4). They will map where these atypical astrocytes appear, with special attention to blood vessels and areas showing blood–brain-barrier problems. Lab tests will measure whether these cells fail to remove excess glutamate and potassium or to help clear amyloid, which could disturb nerve signaling and brain cleanup. Combining animal work, human tissue analysis, and electrophysiology aims to reveal why atypical astrocytes form and whether they can be targeted.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are older adults and people with Alzheimer disease who can donate brain tissue or take part in related clinical or biospecimen studies.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment effects or those without age-related brain changes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify targets to restore astrocyte function and potentially slow or prevent Alzheimer's progression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies link astrocyte dysfunction to Alzheimer's, but the specific idea of these 'atypical astrocytes' is a newer concept that has not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DULLA, CHRIS G — TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON
- Study coordinator: DULLA, CHRIS G
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome