Singh studies brain immune cells to advance Alzheimer’s research

Monday, January 12, 2026

Media Contact: Bailey Horn | Marketing Specialist | 405-744-6728 | bailey.horn@okstate.edu

Dr. Neeraj Singh and his research team at the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine are working to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind neuroinflammation and memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic neurodegenerative disorders.

 

“My research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms driving neuroinflammation and dementia commonly associated with numerous chronic neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease,” Singh said.

 

Alzheimer’s disease affects nearly 7 million Americans and remains one of the most challenging age-related neurodegenerative disorders to treat. Current therapies largely target amyloid plaques — hallmark lesions found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients — but have had limited success in stopping disease progression.

 

Singh’s lab is studying microglia, the brain’s resident immune cells, which play a critical role in plaque clearance.

 

“Microglia play a crucial role in preventing amyloid plaque buildup by facilitating phagocytosis and clearance,” he said.

 

During neurodegeneration, however, these cells can shift into dysfunctional states that create a toxic, inflammatory environment, ultimately leading to neuronal death and memory loss.

 

Using transgenic mouse models and high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing, the lab is identifying genes that regulate beneficial and harmful microglial subsets.

 

“Understanding the genes regulating microglial transitioning will help in manipulating and upregulating the beneficial microglial subset population, which can halt the progression of the disease,” Singh said.

 

Singh’s interest in the field began during his doctoral training at Virginia Tech, where his work bridged immunology and neuroscience. He said the impact of neurodegenerative diseases on elderly patients and caregivers continues to motivate his work.

 

“The chronic and progressive nature of these diseases makes patients rely entirely on caregivers, often with an inferior quality of life exacerbated by memory loss and inability to perform daily activities,” he said.

 

The research also has implications beyond human health.

 

“Just like humans, dogs also suffer from dementia as they age,” Singh said, noting that amyloid plaques are found in canine brains as well. “Therapies targeting amyloid plaque in humans are likely to be effective in clearing amyloid plaque and reversing memory loss in dogs as well.”

 

One recent breakthrough from the lab includes identifying a highly specialized microglial subset that is particularly effective at clearing amyloid plaques in aging Alzheimer’s disease mouse models. The team is now working to better understand the genes that regulate these protective cells.

 

Students are a key part of the research effort. Graduate and undergraduate students gain hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, cell culture and in vivo studies.

 

“Over the last two years, seven undergraduate students have actively participated in research projects,” Singh said.