When, where, and which brain cells form Alzheimer's amyloid plaques
Temporal, Spatial and Cellular Dynamics of Amyloid Plaque Deposition
Researchers will track how amyloid plaques form over time and which brain cells contribute, to help people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11297659 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, scientists will label proteins made by specific brain cell types with a special tag and follow whether those proteins end up in different kinds of amyloid plaques. They will map when and where diffuse, dense-core, neuritic, and vascular plaques appear and how these plaque types change over time. The work uses laboratory models, cell-type specific protein labeling, and advanced imaging to watch plaque formation and interactions among cells. The goal is to clarify which cells drive plaque buildup and how plaques evolve in the Alzheimer’s brain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment, and older adults at increased risk for Alzheimer’s, would be the most relevant patient groups for the findings of this research.
Not a fit: Younger healthy people without Alzheimer’s pathology or those seeking an immediate treatment effect are unlikely to directly benefit from this basic laboratory work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal which cell types to target to prevent or remove harmful plaques and guide safer, more effective Alzheimer’s treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have characterized plaque types and attempted plaque removal with mixed clinical results, while using cell-type specific metabolic labeling to trace protein contributions to plaques is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Glabe, Charles G. — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Glabe, Charles 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.