Changing the APOE gene from risky E4 to protective E2 to help people with Alzheimer's
APOE Allele Switching as a Therapeutic Approach for Alzheimer's Disease
This work tries changing the APOE gene from the risky E4 version to the protective E2 version to help people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237161 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use new mouse models that carry the human APOE4 gene which can be switched to APOE2 in specific brain cell types and at chosen ages. They trigger the gene switch with inducible genetic tools and then measure amyloid, tau, inflammation, blood vessel function, metabolism, and memory. This lets the team test whether changing APOE later in life or in particular cell types can reverse or prevent Alzheimer-like brain changes and cognitive decline. The work is preclinical and intended to inform future therapies for people with APOE4.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease who carry the APOE ε4 risk variant would be the most relevant future candidates.
Not a fit: People without the APOE ε4 variant or whose dementia is caused by other illnesses may not benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce Alzheimer's-related brain damage and help preserve thinking and memory in people who carry APOE4.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior animal studies and early gene-delivery work indicate APOE2 can be protective, but targeted allele switching in adult brains is largely novel and untested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Lance Allen — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Lance Allen
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.