How common metals may speed brain aging and change Alzheimer’s risk
The impact of metals and polygenic risk on multiomics, brain aging, and ADRD outcomes
This project looks at how common toxic metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic might change the brain and influence Alzheimer’s risk by using mouse models that better reflect human genetic diversity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195051 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers expose genetically diverse mice to low levels of lead, cadmium, and arsenic to study sex-specific changes in brain cells, pathology, and behavior from a patient-centered viewpoint. They will generate detailed molecular 'multiomics' maps across multiple brain regions and compare those brain changes to markers found in blood to see which blood tests might reflect brain effects. The team also incorporates genetic risk for Alzheimer’s to determine whether certain genetic backgrounds make mice more vulnerable to metal exposures. Results aim to connect lab findings with human studies to guide prevention efforts and future biomarker-driven clinical work.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll people because it uses mouse models, but adults concerned about Alzheimer’s risk (including those 21+) could be candidates for follow-up human studies informed by these results.
Not a fit: Because the research is preclinical and lab-based, patients should not expect direct treatment or immediate personal benefit from this grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal preventable environmental risks and blood-based markers that help detect or lower Alzheimer’s risk earlier.
How similar studies have performed: Epidemiological studies and single-strain animal research have linked these metals to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s-related changes, but using genetically diverse mouse models combined with multiomics and blood comparisons is a newer, more translational approach.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Colacino, Justin Adam — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Colacino, Justin Adam
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.