APOE4 and brain lymphatic drainage in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Role of apoE-mediated meningeal lymphatic remodeling in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease
Funded at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville · NIH-11463446 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant investigates how the APOE4 gene affects the brain’s lymphatic system and its role in Alzheimer’s disease, with potential implications for people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Jacksonville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jacksonville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $767,846 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AG080556-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11463446 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease who are curious about how genetic risk factors influence brain health.
✕Less likely to help
People without Alzheimer’s risk factors or not involved in similar studies may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
Age-related changes and the APOE4 gene play big roles in Alzheimer’s disease. The project studies how APOE4 alters the brain’s meningeal lymphatic vessels and CSF drainage, which may influence amyloid buildup and inflammation. Researchers will use mouse models to understand cell interactions between immune cells and lymphatic cells in the meninges and how these changes relate to Alzheimer’s-like pathology. Findings could point to new ways to support brain clearance pathways and reduce disease progression. The work is conducted at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville over five years and involves genetically modified mice and humanized models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal new targets to improve brain waste clearance and slow Alzheimer's disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies link impaired meningeal lymphatic function to worse Alzheimer’s pathology, suggesting this approach has a plausible trajectory.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
Jacksonville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Da Mesquita, Sandro — Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
- Study coordinator: Da Mesquita, Sandro
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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.