How klotho and APOE genes work together to affect Alzheimer's risk
Modeling the Genetic Interaction Between Klotho and APOE Alleles in Alzheimer's Disease
This work uses mouse models carrying human APOE and klotho gene variants to learn whether a protective klotho form can reduce Alzheimer's risk for people with the APOE4 gene.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jackson Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bar Harbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11297691 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use specially engineered mice that carry human versions of APOE (including APOE4) together with different human klotho variants to mimic genetic combinations seen in people. They will track brain amyloid buildup, inflammation, aging-related changes, and timing of Alzheimer-like signs across these models. The team aims to pinpoint the biological processes by which the KL-V/S klotho haplotype protects APOE4 carriers. Results are intended to reveal pathways that could be targeted to lower risk or delay symptoms in at-risk people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who carry the APOE4 genetic variant or who have a family history of late-onset Alzheimer's are the group most likely to be impacted by this research.
Not a fit: People with rare early-onset familial Alzheimer's mutations or those without APOE4 may not directly benefit from findings focused on the APOE4–klotho interaction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify biological targets or strategies that help lower Alzheimer's risk or delay symptoms in people who carry APOE4.
How similar studies have performed: Large human genetic studies have linked the KL-V/S klotho haplotype with protection in APOE4 carriers, but mechanistic model-based work to explain that protection is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Bar Harbor, United States
- Jackson Laboratory — Bar Harbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carter, Gregory W — Jackson Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Carter, Gregory W
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.