Creating pig models to understand Alzheimer's disease
Validating pig models for Alzheimer's disease
This study is creating special pig models that act like Alzheimer's disease to help researchers learn more about the condition and find better treatments for people living with it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10524989 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to develop and validate pig models that mimic Alzheimer's disease (AD) to better understand the disease's cellular, molecular, and behavioral aspects. By using three specific pig models, researchers will gather important data that can help in the development of effective treatments for AD. Pigs are chosen for their physiological similarities to humans, which allows for more accurate testing of potential therapies compared to traditional rodent models. This approach could significantly enhance our understanding of AD and accelerate drug discovery efforts.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at high risk for developing it.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of dementia or neurological disorders unrelated to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease, ultimately improving the quality of life for millions affected by this condition.
How similar studies have performed: While research using rodent models has been extensive, the use of large animal models like pigs for Alzheimer's research is relatively novel and has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- University of Missouri-Columbia — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Kiho — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Lee, Kiho
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.