How the APOE4 gene affects brain blood vessel cells
Deciphering molecular mechanisms that underlie brain endothelial cell dysfunction with APOE4
This research is finding out how the APOE4 gene changes brain blood vessel cells and how that may raise the risk of Alzheimer's for people who carry APOE4.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11305287 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be hearing about lab work that looks at specialized cells that line brain blood vessels and how they behave when they carry the APOE4 version of the gene. The team compares APOE4 to the more common APOE3 version using cellular and molecular experiments, and they study how those changes affect blood-brain barrier function and cellular stress responses. Their work uses tissue and model systems to trace the specific molecular pathways that break down when APOE4 is present. The goal is to identify specific mechanisms that could become targets for future therapies to protect the brain's blood vessels.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who carry the APOE4 gene or who are older adults at increased risk for Alzheimer’s would be the most directly relevant group for this research.
Not a fit: People without APOE4 or whose dementia is driven by unrelated causes are less likely to directly benefit from the specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new ways to protect brain blood vessels and reduce Alzheimer’s risk or damage in people with APOE4.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown APOE4 can harm neurovascular function and the blood-brain barrier, but translating those basic findings into treatments is still at an early, experimental stage.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tai, Leon Maing — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Tai, Leon Maing
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.