How certain DNA elements affect aging and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: The Role of Transposable Elements in Healthy Aging and in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Feinstein Institute for Medical Research · NIH-11321491 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genetic elements in our DNA might affect healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease by examining brain cells and signals in mice, which could help us understand more about these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Feinstein Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhasset, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $345,514 |
| NIH project number | 7R56AG078970-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11321491 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults and individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or those with other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of transposable elements, particularly human endogenous retroviruses, in the processes of healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease. By analyzing RNA sequencing data, the study aims to identify patterns of gene expression related to these elements in different brain regions and cell types. The researchers are also exploring the impact of specific signaling pathways on neurodegeneration using a mouse model. This approach could provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying aging and Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease and improving healthy aging.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of transposable elements in disease is an emerging field, preliminary studies have shown promising results in understanding their impact on neurodegeneration.
Where this research is happening
-
Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
Manhasset, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nixon, Douglas F — Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Nixon, Douglas F
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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.