AI-built genetic map to understand Alzheimer's disease
Official title: AIM-AI: an Actionable, Integrated and Multiscale genetic map of Alzheimer's disease via deep learning
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11180316 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Using artificial intelligence to combine genetic, molecular, and brain imaging data to find genetic clues that could help people with or at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,259,982 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AG079847-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11180316 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, or individuals at genetic risk who can provide genetic samples, brain imaging, or other research data are ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Those seeking an immediate new therapy or people whose cognitive problems are due to non-Alzheimer causes may not receive direct clinical benefit from this work.
What this research studies
This project will use AI to analyze large collections of genetic information, brain scans, and other molecular data from people with Alzheimer's or at risk. Researchers will link gene changes to specific brain cell types and regions using single-cell and other 'omics' data alongside neuroimaging. The team aims to turn complex genetic signals into a clear, multiscale map that points to biological processes and possible drug targets. If you contribute data or samples, your information could help guide future tests and therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal clearer genetic targets for new treatments or better tests to predict or understand Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior AI and genetic studies have found promising signals in Alzheimer's, but a fully integrated, multiscale AI genetic map of the kind proposed remains relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Zhongming — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Zhongming
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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AIM-AI: an actionable, integrated, multiscale genetic map of Alzheimer’s disease powered by deep learning
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Interpretable deep learning to map genetics and epigenetics of Alzheimer's at single-cell level
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This project builds a secure, shared AI system that learns from brain scans and medical data from people worldwide to help spot and predict Alzheimer's for patients and those at risk.
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Understanding Alzheimer's Disease through Brain Scans and Genetics
This project uses advanced computer analysis of brain scans and genetic information to better understand Alzheimer's disease in older adults.
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.