Causes of brain network problems in Alzheimer's
Decoding the Multifactorial Etiology of Neural Network Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease
This project looks at how three key proteins—apoE4, amyloid‑beta, and tau—team up to disrupt brain networks and lead to memory and thinking loss in people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | J. David Gladstone Institutes NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11166563 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, scientists are using improved mouse models that carry human Alzheimer's proteins to mimic how the disease harms brain circuits. They will record brain activity and behavior while also studying individual brain cells' genes and epigenetic changes to see how apoE4, amyloid‑beta, and tau interact. Neuropathology studies and two shared cores will coordinate experiments and data to connect molecular changes with circuit-level dysfunction. The goal is to translate these mechanistic findings into ideas for better treatments down the road.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease or those at higher genetic risk (for example, APOE ε4 carriers) would be the most relevant group to follow this research, donate samples, or be future candidates for trials derived from these findings.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to gain direct, short-term benefits from this basic-science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal specific biological mechanisms to target with new therapies that protect brain networks and slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked apoE4, amyloid, and tau individually to brain dysfunction, but combining systems neuroscience with single-cell molecular approaches to decode their joint effects is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- J. David Gladstone Institutes — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mucke, Lennart — J. David Gladstone Institutes
- Study coordinator: Mucke, Lennart
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.