Animal models for brain aging and Alzheimer's disease
Novel animal models of brain longevity and Alzheimer's disease
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · NIH-11182540
Researchers are using long-lived and Alzheimer-prone rodents to create new animal models that reveal how brains resist or develop Alzheimer's so future treatments can be improved for people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11182540 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project compares two unusual rodents — the long-lived naked mole rat and the Alzheimer-prone degu — to learn why some brains avoid Alzheimer's changes while others develop them. The team builds animal models, genetic tools (including mice carrying naked mole rat genes), and detailed datasets such as single-cell atlases and epigenetic clocks to map aging and disease processes. Findings so far include protective traits in naked mole rats and longer, healthier lifespans in mice with a naked mole rat hyaluronan gene. The goal is to give researchers better models and molecular clues they can use to design future treatments for people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is most relevant to people with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment and their families who are watching for advances that could lead to better treatments.
Not a fit: Patients looking for immediate treatment changes are unlikely to benefit directly because the project focuses on animal models and basic lab research rather than clinical care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide more realistic animal models and new biological targets that speed development of effective Alzheimer's therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Comparative biology and novel animal-model approaches have yielded useful insights in other fields, and early preclinical findings here (for example, mice with the naked mole rat HAS2 gene) showed improved lifespan and healthspan, but translating these findings to Alzheimer's remains exploratory.
Where this research is happening
ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER — ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SELUANOV, ANDREI — UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- Study coordinator: SELUANOV, ANDREI
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