Exploring how sex and APOE genes affect Alzheimer's disease risk
Official title: Dissecting the interaction between sex and APOE genotype in modulating AD risk
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-10985435 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being male or female and different versions of a gene called APOE might affect the chances of getting Alzheimer's disease, using special lab techniques to learn more about how these factors work together in brain cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tempe, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $431,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG085470-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985435 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a family history of Alzheimer's disease or those who are carriers of the APOE4 allele.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease or those without a family history of the condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between biological sex and the APOE gene variations in influencing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). By using advanced gene editing techniques on human stem cells, the study aims to understand how different APOE genotypes interact with sex to affect AD onset and progression. The researchers will create specific cell lines that represent various combinations of APOE genotypes and sex chromosomes to analyze their effects on brain cells. This approach could reveal critical insights into the mechanisms behind AD risk and help tailor prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized approaches in preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease based on genetic and sex-related factors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the genetic factors influencing Alzheimer's disease, but this specific interaction between sex and APOE genotype is less explored, making this research novel.
Where this research is happening
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Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Tempe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brafman, David a — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Brafman, David a
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.