How Alzheimer's risk genes change metabolism and signaling in brain cells
The effects of Alzheimer's disease risk genes on metabolism and signaling across cell types
This project explores how two Alzheimer's risk genes, APOE4 and ABCA7, change metabolism and signaling in human-derived brain cells to reveal pathways that may lead to disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11297689 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines engineered to carry APOE4 or ABCA7 risk variants and grow them into different brain cell types. They will apply multi-omics (for example, genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolic) and systems-biology analyses to map how these risk genes alter cell signaling and metabolism. The team will also study how aging-related stress interacts with these genetic changes to push cells toward disease-like states. Results aim to identify molecular pathways and cell states that could explain how these genes increase Alzheimer's risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who carry APOE4 or ABCA7 risk variants, or individuals with Alzheimer's who are willing to provide biological samples for research, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without these genetic risk variants or those looking for immediate treatment effects are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new biological pathways and targets for therapies or biomarkers that help detect or treat Alzheimer's earlier.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies have shown APOE4 affects lipid metabolism in specific brain cell types, but applying comprehensive multi-omic, isogenic iPSC approaches to map downstream disease pathways is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fraenkel, Ernest — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Fraenkel, Ernest
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.