How genes, age, diet, sex and mitochondria affect Alzheimer's, aging and lifespan
The interaction effects of genetic variants, age, diet, sex and mitochondrial copy number on Alzheimer's disease, aging-phenotypes and longevity
Researchers are using mouse models to learn how genetic differences, age, diet, sex and mitochondrial DNA levels influence Alzheimer's-related traits and longevity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231683 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses mouse models that carry Alzheimer's-related genes and a panel of genetically different strains to study how mitochondrial DNA copy number changes with age, diet and sex. Scientists will measure mitochondrial DNA in multiple tissues (brain and peripheral organs) from mice fed standard or high-fat diets at different ages. They will map gene-by-environment interactions to find genomic regions that change how mitochondrial DNA relates to memory, motor skills, brain structure and lifespan. The work relies on already-collected tissues to speed discovery and reduce the need for new animal experiments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll people, but patients with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk could be future candidates for follow-up clinical studies based on these findings.
Not a fit: People looking for immediate treatments are unlikely to benefit now because this is preclinical, animal-based research focused on basic mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could clarify biological pathways linking mitochondria to Alzheimer's and aging and point to biomarkers or targets for future treatments or prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and cell studies have connected mitochondrial copy number to aging and Alzheimer's biology, but the specific mapping of gene-by-environment interactions across tissues in diverse mouse strains is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ashbrook, David George — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Ashbrook, David George
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.