Early-life brain changes linked to Alzheimer's disease
Project 1: Identification of Early Life molecular determinants of Alzheimer's Disease pathogenesis
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11168714
Researchers are looking for early-life brain signals caused by genetic Alzheimer’s risk that could point to ways to prevent the disease in people at risk.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11168714 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses marmosets engineered with a human Alzheimer’s gene (PSEN1) to find the first molecular and cellular changes that lead to disease. The team will follow these animals from birth through infancy, adolescence, and aging, collecting brain scans, behavioral tests, and tissue samples to track changes over time. Researchers will compare mutant marmosets to healthy controls to identify primate-specific signals that mouse models might miss. The goal is to find early warning signs and biological targets that could guide prevention strategies for people with genetic risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a known family history or genetic mutation linked to early-onset Alzheimer's (for example PSEN1) and those interested in early-prevention research would be most directly related to this work.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's risk factors or those already living with advanced Alzheimer’s dementia are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this early-life, animal-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal early warning signs and targets that help prevent Alzheimer's in people with genetic risk.
How similar studies have performed: Mice with Alzheimer-related mutations have long informed disease pathways, but translating mouse findings to humans has been limited, making genetically engineered primate models relatively novel and potentially more informative.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RIZZO, STACEY J — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: RIZZO, STACEY J
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.