CASS4 gene's role in Alzheimer's disease
Making a case for CASS4 in Alzheimer's disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-11295413
Researchers are learning how changes to the CASS4 gene affect the brain and may raise the risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11295413 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses mice that lack the CASS4 gene and crosses them with established Alzheimer’s mouse models to observe effects on brain pathology. Scientists will look at how immune cells called microglia interact with amyloid plaques, whether plaques are compacted differently, and whether nerve fibers show more damage. The team also runs behavior tests in mice to check memory and flexibility changes. The goal is to link human genetic risk signals for CASS4 to specific changes in brain biology.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is a laboratory study using mouse models and does not enroll people, so there are no patient recruitment criteria for participation.
Not a fit: People with Alzheimer's will not receive direct treatment from this grant and any patient benefits would be indirect and long-term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal how CASS4 influences Alzheimer’s progression and point to new targets for treatments or biomarkers.
How similar studies have performed: Genetic studies have repeatedly linked CASS4 to late-onset Alzheimer’s, but functional experiments in Alzheimer’s models are limited, making this approach relatively new.
Where this research is happening
CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA — CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LUKENS, JOHN R — UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- Study coordinator: LUKENS, JOHN R
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, Alzheimer syndrome