How genetic risk for Alzheimer's differs across diverse ancestries
Functional genomic studies in diverse populations to characterize risk loci for Alzheimer Disease
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11118811
Researchers are mapping DNA regulatory differences linked to Alzheimer's in people with African and Amerindian ancestry to learn why risk varies across groups.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CORAL GABLES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11118811 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you take part, researchers will study DNA and cells from people with African and Amerindian ancestry to map the parts of the genome that control gene activity. They will use lab methods such as ATAC-seq to find regulatory elements in brain-relevant cell types and combine those maps with genetic data from Alzheimer's studies. The team will examine how non-coding genetic differences change gene regulation and connect those changes to Alzheimer's risk in African American and Hispanic communities. Participation may involve giving a blood sample or allowing researchers to use previously collected genetic data or tissue.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults of African American, African, or Amerindian/Hispanic ancestry, with or without Alzheimer's disease, especially those willing to provide blood or tissue samples or share genetic data.
Not a fit: People without African or Amerindian ancestry or those seeking immediate clinical treatment for Alzheimer's are unlikely to receive direct or immediate benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could clarify genetic mechanisms of Alzheimer's in underrepresented ancestry groups, improving risk prediction and pointing to new prevention or treatment targets.
How similar studies have performed: Large GWAS and regulatory maps (like ENCODE/GTEx) helped interpret variants in European-ancestry populations, but comparable regulatory mapping in African and Amerindian ancestries is less developed, so this extends prior work into new populations.
Where this research is happening
CORAL GABLES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE — CORAL GABLES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VANCE, JEFFERY MARVIN — UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: VANCE, JEFFERY MARVIN
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.