Finding genetic and molecular signals tied to Alzheimer's and related dementias
Robust Mendelian Randomization Framework with Multi-Omics Data for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
This project uses people's genetic and molecular data to find biological markers that may point to early Alzheimer's and related dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11295483 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will combine large genetic datasets with multiple types of molecular data (for example, gene expression, proteins, and metabolites) to look for signals linked to Alzheimer's disease. They will use Mendelian randomization, a genetics-based approach, to try to separate likely causes from mere correlations while developing new statistical tools to handle many molecular measurements at once. The team aims to address problems like genetic pleiotropy and nonlinear effects so the results are more reliable across different patient groups. Work will mainly involve analyzing existing human genetic and molecular datasets and improving methods for future biomarker and personalized-intervention research.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, older adults at risk, or volunteers willing to provide genetic and blood or tissue samples and clinical information to research cohorts or biobanks.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate new treatment are unlikely to benefit directly because this project focuses on data analysis and biomarker discovery rather than testing therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to reliable molecular or genetic biomarkers for earlier diagnosis and suggest targets for personalized treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Mendelian randomization and multi-omics approaches have shown promise in identifying disease-related markers, but applying advanced MR methods to high-dimensional molecular data in Alzheimer's is relatively new and still being tested.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Zhonghua — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Liu, Zhonghua
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.