APOE4 and inflammation effects on breathing control health outcomes
Official title: Rest/Active Phase Specificity of APOE4 and Inflammation on Respiratory Plasticity
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11552975 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how a common genetic factor (APOE4) and inflammation affect a key form of breathing plasticity that could influence breathing in people with spinal cord injury or ALS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00HL175029-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11552975 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with spinal cord injury or ALS who are undergoing breathing rehabilitation could benefit from advances in this research.
✕Less likely to help
The study focuses on mechanisms and may not directly provide immediate treatment for all patients.
What this research studies
If you have a condition affecting breathing, this project looks at why certain genetic factors and inflammation change how the nerves controlling breathing adapt after low oxygen events. Researchers will use a well-established model of breathing plasticity to see how APOE alleles and inflammation alter the protective brain-spinal pathways involved in breathing. The goal is to identify molecular targets that could make breathing therapies more effective for people with spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The work builds on prior findings showing APOE4 can undermine respiratory plasticity through adenosine signaling. Results could inform personalized approaches to improve breathing rehabilitation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to more effective, tailored breathing therapies for patients with spinal cord injury or ALS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work indicates APOE4 can alter respiratory plasticity; this study extends those findings to identify actionable targets.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marciante, Alexandria — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Marciante, Alexandria
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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.