How the APOE4 gene affects smell-related brain cells
APOE4 effects on glia-neuron interaction in the olfactory bulb
Researchers are studying whether the APOE4 gene causes early smell loss by changing how support cells and neurons interact in the brain's smell center, which matters for people at higher risk for Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11299480 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use models that carry the human APOE4 gene to look at the olfactory bulb, the part of the brain that processes smell. They will examine astrocytes (brain support cells) and neurons around smell-processing synapses to see if their shape, chemistry, and electrical activity are altered. The team will measure odor sensitivity and electrical network function to find imbalances between excitation and inhibition. Findings will be compared to non-APOE4 controls to link cellular changes to the early smell problems seen in people with APOE4.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who carry the APOE ε4 gene, or older adults who have noticed new or worsening problems with smell, are the group most directly related to this research.
Not a fit: People whose smell problems are caused by non‑Alzheimer's conditions or who do not carry the APOE4 gene may not see direct benefits from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to earlier signs of Alzheimer's risk and suggest cellular targets to preserve smell and brain circuit function in APOE4 carriers.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show APOE4 carriers and APOE4-expressing animals often have early smell loss, but the specific astrocyte–neuron mechanisms targeted here are largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Athens, United States
- University of Georgia — Athens, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Shaolin — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Liu, Shaolin
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.