How cell-specific DNA elements may drive Alzheimer's disease and aging
Official title: Identification and Characterization of Cell-Specific Transposable Elements Implicated on Alzheimer Disease and Healthy Aging
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11371087 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how certain DNA elements that can move around the genome contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and aging, using samples from adults and people with related risk factors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,809,944 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG078964-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11371087 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with Alzheimer’s disease pathology or risk factors, including APOE variants and mutations in APP, PSEN1, PSEN2, or TREM2/MS4A.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without AD pathology or risk variants may have limited direct benefit from this specific genetic study.
What this research studies
This project will look at brain tissue, directly converted neurons, and stem-cell–derived microglia to map cell-specific genetic elements linked to Alzheimer’s. By combining new genomic techniques with patient samples, scientists hope to identify how these elements alter chromatin and gene activity in different brain cells. The goal is to uncover mechanisms by which these elements influence disease risk and progression, and to explore how editing or targeting these elements might affect disease pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these cell-specific mechanisms could lead to new strategies for preventing or slowing Alzheimer's by targeting the underlying genetic regulators.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows cell-type differences in Alzheimer’s genetics; this study extends to transposable elements with human brain tissues and cell models.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cruchaga, Carlos — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Cruchaga, Carlos
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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.