Genetic and brain pathology differences in Alzheimer's across diverse U.S. and Brazilian groups
Whole Genome Sequencing and Admixture Analyses of Neuropathologic Traits in Diverse Cohorts in USA and Brazil
['FUNDING_R01'] · RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11180502
Researchers are using whole genome sequencing and ancestry mapping to find genes and proteins linked to Alzheimer’s-related brain changes in people from African and admixed Brazilian backgrounds.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11180502 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You or a loved one’s donated brain tissue and DNA would be analyzed with whole genome sequencing and detailed neuropathology. The team will combine genetic data, ancestry (admixture) analyses, and protein-level measurements to find DNA variants and molecular signals tied to Alzheimer’s brain changes. The work focuses on people of African ancestry and admixed Brazilians so results better reflect those communities. Findings build on earlier molecular work done mostly in people of European descent.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias — especially those of African ancestry or admixed Brazilian background — who can contribute clinical information, DNA, or consent to brain donation.
Not a fit: People without dementia or from ancestry groups not included in the project (for example, groups not represented in the U.S. or Brazilian cohorts) are unlikely to see direct short-term benefits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal genetic and molecular drivers of Alzheimer’s in underrepresented groups and help guide more accurate diagnosis, risk prediction, or targeted therapies for those populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous multi-omics work identified molecular drivers in largely European-ancestry cohorts, but applying whole-genome sequencing and admixture mapping to African and admixed Brazilian groups is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BENNETT, DAVID ALAN — RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: BENNETT, DAVID ALAN
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease