How 'jumping genes' (transposons) change in Alzheimer's and aging brains
Role of transposon dysregulation in Alzheimer and aging brains revealed by single-cell genomic and transcriptomic analysis
['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11118796
Researchers are using detailed, cell-by-cell genetic and RNA profiling to find how mobile genetic elements behave in the brains of people with Alzheimer's and during normal aging.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11118796 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at individual brain cells from donated human brains to map activity of transposable elements (often called 'jumping genes') in aging and Alzheimer's disease. Scientists will use single-cell genomic and transcriptomic methods plus new computational tools to see which cell types show TE activation and how that links to inflammation, genomic instability, and immune cell changes. The team will compare brains from people with Alzheimer's to those from normal aging to separate disease-specific from age-related changes. Results will focus on cell-type-specific consequences of TE activation that could point to biological pathways involved in disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease, older adults with age-related cognitive changes, and individuals willing to join a brain-donation program would be most directly relevant to this research.
Not a fit: This project does not test treatments, so participants should not expect direct clinical benefit or immediate changes to their care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal biological triggers of inflammation or genomic instability in Alzheimer's and point to new targets for therapies or biomarkers.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have found increased transposable element expression in AD postmortem brains, but applying single-cell genomic and transcriptomic analysis with new computational tools is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LEE, ALICE EUNJUNG — BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: LEE, ALICE EUNJUNG
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease