How a gene related to sex differences affects aging and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Contribution of HUWE1 to sex differences in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10932951 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene called HUWE1 might act differently in women and men as they age, especially in relation to Alzheimer's disease, by examining brain samples from both female mice and humans to learn more about how this gene could affect brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $196,995 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG083962-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932951 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include females with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk for developing it, as well as healthy females for comparison.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are male or those without any neurodegenerative conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the HUWE1 gene, which is linked to sex differences in aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). It focuses on how this gene, located on the X chromosome, may be expressed differently in females compared to males, particularly as they age. The study will analyze brain samples from female mice and humans with and without AD to understand the gene's behavior and its potential impact on neurodegeneration. By examining the levels of HUWE1 in these subjects, researchers aim to uncover new insights into the biological mechanisms behind sex differences in aging and AD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for Alzheimer's disease, particularly for women who may be affected differently than men.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on HUWE1 and its role in sex differences in aging and Alzheimer's is novel, related research has shown that sex chromosomes can influence neurodegenerative diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsvetkov, Andrey — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Tsvetkov, Andrey
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Lipids and brain aging in Alzheimer's disease
Aims to understand how lipids in the body relate to aging of the brain and Alzheimer's disease by studying blood and brain-related lipid patterns.
-
Metabolic clues from lipids in aging and Alzheimer's disease
A lipid-focused research effort is exploring how fat-related molecules influence brain aging and Alzheimer's disease to uncover new ideas for care.
-
Metabolic clues from lipids to understand aging and Alzheimer’s disease
This grant studies how lipids in the body relate to aging of the brain and the risk and progression of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
-
Team science approach to study aging and Alzheimer’s disease with machine learning and functional genomics
A combined team effort will use advanced computer models and brain cell data to understand how aging influences Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Brains aging and Alzheimer’s disease: a multi-scale MRI and biology study
Researchers will combine advanced diffusion MRI and biological data to better understand how aging relates to Alzheimer’s disease in people, aiming to spot early signals that may lead to prevention.
-
Studying how aging and Alzheimer’s affect the front part of the brain using real-time imaging and computer models
Researchers will combine live brain imaging in animals with computer simulations to understand how aging and Alzheimer’s disease change the prefrontal cortex and relate to memory and thinking problems.
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.