How genes, gut health, and cadmium exposure affect brain aging in ApoE carriers
Official title: Gene–Environment–Gut Microbiome Interactions in Cadmium Neurotoxicity
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11446322 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how the gut microbiome and ApoE gene variants influence brain sensitivity to cadmium, a toxin linked to cognitive problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $607,888 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS145253-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11446322 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with ApoE4 genetic risk who may have higher susceptibility to cadmium-related cognitive effects.
✕Less likely to help
People without ApoE risk factors or with minimal cadmium exposure may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
The project will explore how the gut-brain axis interacts with different ApoE genes to influence cadmium-related brain changes. Researchers will use animal models and gut microbiome analyses to identify mechanisms that make ApoE4 carriers more vulnerable to cadmium’s effects on cognition. They aim to link gut microbiome shifts with neurotoxic outcomes in the context of human ApoE risk. Findings could point to new strategies for protecting brain health in people with ApoE risk factors and cadmium exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these interactions could lead to personalized prevention strategies for individuals with ApoE risk who are exposed to cadmium.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work shows gut microbiome changes and ApoE interactions influence neurotoxicity, with stronger effects in ApoE4 contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Hao — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Wang, Hao
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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.