With a $159,000 grant from the Alzheimer’s Association, Indiana University’s Claudia Mera Reina is on a mission to unravel the biological chain reaction that connects brain trauma to Alzheimer’s.
Mera Reina’s research focuses on Hexokinase 2 (HK2), an enzyme that drives inflammation in microglia, the brain’s immune cells. Using a mouse model of a head injury, the study aims to understand how microglial metabolism influences the progression from Traumatic Brain Injury to Alzheimer’s disease. Insights from this work could uncover new mechanisms that inform future therapeutic strategies.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition at this point in my career and grateful for the Alzheimer’s Association’s support at such a critical moment in research,” Mera Reina said. “My passion lies in translational medicine, the critical link between scientific discovery and clinical application. We are hopeful that this research will contribute to the development of interventions that could benefit individuals at high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease after brain injury.”
This grant comes from the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2025 International Research Grant Program. The Association is the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s and dementia research globally, currently investing $430 million in over 1,150 active projects in 57 countries.
Natalie Sutton, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter, praised Mera Reina’s work.
“Her work adds the exciting potential for new therapeutic strategies that could slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, inspiring hope for so many individuals and families who are affected by this terrible disease,” Sutton said.
Originally from Colombia, Mera Reina’s medical and scientific research journey began at Del Rosario University. She later earned her Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, focusing on cardiovascular disease. Her postdoctoral work has since expanded to neuroscience, where she combines cardiovascular and neurological health expertise to advance translational medicine.
Mera Reina is also actively involved in leadership development at Indiana University, contributing to TREAT-AD drug discovery efforts and mentoring other postdoctoral researchers through the Stark Postdoctoral Association. She has received numerous honors, including the Women in Neuroscience Research and Career Development Award.
The Alzheimer’s Association emphasizes the urgency of finding solutions, as nearly 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease, a number projected to almost double by 2050 without medical breakthroughs. In Indiana, over 121,000 individuals are affected by the disease.
For additional information about Alzheimer’s research and resources, visit alz.org.
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This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
