How genetic risk for Alzheimer's changes brain cells
Elucidate the roles of Alzheimer's disease risk genes and variants in gene expression and AD-related phenotypes
This project looks at how genes and genetic variants linked to Alzheimer's change the behavior of brain cells using human-derived cells and mini-brains.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11297646 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to create neurons, microglia, and hippocampal organoids that model parts of the human brain. They will use CRISPR interference to reduce activity of Alzheimer’s-linked genes and measure gene activity in individual cells with single-cell RNA sequencing. The team will map regulatory DNA regions (enhancers) and test how specific genetic variants alter gene expression and cell functions tied to Alzheimer's biology. This is lab-based work on human cells and organoids rather than a clinical trial, but it aims to identify which genes and variants actually drive disease processes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with late-onset Alzheimer's, those with a family history, or volunteers willing to donate blood or skin samples for iPSC generation would be the most relevant contributors.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatments or those with non-Alzheimer's forms of dementia are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify specific genes and variants that drive Alzheimer's and help guide the development of new tests or treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies using iPSC models, CRISPR tools, and single-cell RNA-sequencing have modeled aspects of neurodegenerative disease, but comprehensive mapping of Alzheimer’s causal variants in human organoids remains relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shen, Yin — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Shen, Yin
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.