How genes and the environment change brain cells in Alzheimer's
Defining gene-by-environment interactions using multiplex single-cell genomics
This project tries a new lab method to see how Alzheimer's-linked genes and environmental stresses change individual brain cells, which could help people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135472 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is building a lab platform that combines CRISPR gene editing with single-cell sequencing and a sample 'hashing' trick so they can test thousands of gene-plus-exposure combinations at once. They will develop ways to deliver gene changes to specific brain cell types and read out each cell's response to stresses like oxidative damage or protein aggregates. The researchers will apply the method to genes linked to Alzheimer's to map how those genes interact with environmental insults in different cell types. Results are meant to point to cellular pathways and targets that could guide future treatments or tests.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia who are willing to contribute biospecimens (or be considered for future trials based on these findings) would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Because this is a lab-based platform development project rather than a treatment trial, people should not expect direct therapeutic benefit from participating now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal how genetic risk and environmental stressors alter brain cells in Alzheimer's and point to new drug targets or personalized approaches.
How similar studies have performed: Related single-cell CRISPR screening approaches have shown promise in other fields, but applying them to Alzheimer's gene-by-environment interactions is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia Univ New York Morningside — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcfaline-Figueroa, Jose Luis — Columbia Univ New York Morningside
- Study coordinator: Mcfaline-Figueroa, Jose Luis
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.