How different APOE genes change immune cells at the edges of the human brain in aging and Alzheimer's
Investigating the Effect of APOE Alleles on Neuro-Immunity of Human Brain Borders in Normal Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Using Single-Cell Multi-Omics and In Vitro Organoids
This project looks at how different versions of the APOE gene change immune activity at the borders of the human brain in older adults and people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11092784 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my viewpoint as a patient, researchers will examine immune cells that live at the brain’s borders using advanced single-cell molecular tests to see which genes and proteins are active. They will compare tissue from older people and people with Alzheimer’s to samples or lab-grown mini-brains (organoids) engineered to carry different APOE gene versions. The team will focus on border regions like the dura, lymphatic vessels, and choroid plexus where immune cells interact with the brain. Findings will be used to link APOE types to cellular changes that could drive inflammation in aging and Alzheimer’s.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be older adults and people with Alzheimer’s who can provide clinical samples (blood, cerebrospinal fluid) or consent to donate brain tissue through approved programs.
Not a fit: People with non‑Alzheimer dementias or conditions unrelated to APOE‑driven immune changes may not find the results directly applicable to their care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to specific immune pathways at brain borders that explain how APOE4 raises Alzheimer’s risk and suggest new targets to reduce harmful brain inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown APOE4 drives inflammation in brain cells and mouse border macrophages, but applying single‑cell multi‑omics to human brain‑border cells and organoids is a relatively new and less tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Yanling — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wang, Yanling
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.