Why brain cells burst and trigger inflammation in Alzheimer's
Elucidating structural and functional mechanisms of pyroptosis
['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11330264
This project looks at how an explosive type of cell death called pyroptosis happens in Alzheimer's so researchers can find ways to stop harmful inflammation.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11330264 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have Alzheimer's, this work is trying to understand why some brain cells suddenly burst open and spill inflammatory signals that can harm nearby cells. Researchers will examine key proteins like gasdermins and NINJ1 using purified proteins, high-resolution structural methods, and cell-based experiments to see how pores form and membranes rupture. They will also use mouse models and may analyze human brain tissue or patient-derived samples to connect lab findings to the disease. The team hopes to map the molecular steps that could be blocked by future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's who are willing to donate tissue samples or be contacted for future clinical work on inflammation-related treatments would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Those seeking an immediate therapy or people without Alzheimer's are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new drug targets to reduce brain inflammation and slow neuron loss in Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Scientists recently discovered proteins like gasdermin D and NINJ1 that drive pyroptosis, but applying these findings to effective Alzheimer's treatments is still early and largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WU, HAO — BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: WU, HAO
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, Alzheimer's Disease