How metabolism and gene activity shape Alzheimer’s disease
Official title: Gene regulatory mechanisms connecting metabolism and Alzheimer’s Disease
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11463273 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how metabolism changes affect gene activity in the brain to find ways to slow or prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,539,974 |
| NIH project number | 4RF1AG077201-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11463273 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease who contribute brain tissue samples or participate in research protocols linked to brain biology and disease mechanisms.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not exposed to brain-focused genetic and metabolic analyses are unlikely to directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses advanced methods to map active regulatory elements in brain tissue and how they connect to gene expression, focusing on how metabolism may drive these changes in Alzheimer’s. The approach combines cutting-edge sequencing techniques to identify coordinator regulatory elements that influence multiple genes related to AD. By studying adult human brain tissue and relevant models, the work aims to pinpoint targets that link metabolic signals to disease pathways. If successful, findings could reveal new angles for therapies that modify brain gene regulation to slow AD progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new targets for therapies that modulate gene regulation to slow or prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work using CREs and brain metabolism has highlighted regulatory elements connected to AD risk genes, suggesting this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gregg, Christopher — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Gregg, Christopher
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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.