Finding DNA switches linked to Alzheimer's
Genome-wide identification and characterization of Alzheimer's Disease-associated enhancers
Researchers are mapping gene-regulating DNA switches in brain cells to find genetic changes that increase Alzheimer's risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285227 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will turn human stem cells into the two brain cell types most relevant to Alzheimer's—excitatory neurons and microglia—and study them in the lab. Using a sensitive method called PRO-cap, the team will pinpoint active enhancer regions that control nearby genes and overlap with genetic variants found in people with Alzheimer's. They will also use 3C-based, 3D genome mapping to link those enhancers to the genes they regulate and test how specific variants change enhancer activity. The work uses human-derived cells and human genome data to find DNA regulatory changes that could drive disease risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's, mild cognitive impairment, or a family history of Alzheimer's who have provided genetic data would be most relevant for related follow-up studies or sample donations.
Not a fit: Patients looking for immediate symptom relief or changes to their current care are unlikely to benefit directly from this laboratory-focused genetic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal specific genetic switches that point to new diagnostic markers or drug targets for Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Related enhancer-mapping and 3D genome methods have identified disease-linked regulatory regions in other conditions, but applying PRO-cap and 3D mapping specifically to Alzheimer's is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Ithaca, United States
- Cornell University — Ithaca, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Haiyuan — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Yu, Haiyuan
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.