How the ABCA7 protein affects Alzheimer's disease
Mechanisms by which ABCA7 activity influences Alzheimer's Disease
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11297657
This research looks at how changes in a gene called ABCA7 and its protein affect Alzheimer's disease to help people at risk.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11297657 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be helping researchers study how the ABCA7 protein handles fats and cholesterol in the brain and blood. They will analyze human genetic data and blood metabolites from people, and use those findings in cell and animal models to see which lipids ABCA7 moves. The team compares ABCA7 to the related ABCA1 transporter to understand how lipid transport affects memory and brain health. Findings could point to tests or treatments that target lipid balance in people at risk for Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease, those with a family history of Alzheimer’s, or individuals known to carry ABCA7 genetic variants could be ideal candidates to provide samples or join related studies.
Not a fit: People whose dementia is driven by causes unrelated to lipid transport or who lack ABCA7-related genetic changes may not directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for preventing or slowing Alzheimer's by correcting lipid-transport problems linked to ABCA7.
How similar studies have performed: Large genetic studies have linked ABCA7 to Alzheimer's and research on the related ABCA1 protein supports a role for lipid transport, but directly targeting ABCA7 is still a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RADER, DANIEL JAMES — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: RADER, DANIEL JAMES
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