Finding which brain cells and genes drive Alzheimer's
Uncovering cell-type-specific driver genes of Alzheimer's Disease by pathology-indexing scRNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, and CRISPR screens
Researchers are using patient brain tissue and lab-grown human cells to find which genes in specific brain cell types lead to Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308216 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one have Alzheimer's, this project looks at individual brain cells from patients to see how different disease features affect each cell type. The team tags disease-related proteins inside cells, reads each cell's gene activity, and maps where those cells sit in brain tissue. They then use CRISPR gene-editing in human cell models to test whether candidate genes change disease-related features. The emphasis on human brain samples and human cell models is intended to make results more relevant to patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with Alzheimer's (or their families) willing to donate brain tissue after death or provide samples and genetic information for research.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate new treatment or those without Alzheimer's are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic and translational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to specific genes and cell types to target with future Alzheimer's treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous single-cell and spatial studies have revealed cell-type changes in Alzheimer's, but combining pathology-labeling with CRISPR screens to pinpoint driver genes is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Yanling — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wang, Yanling
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.