How Viruses Affect Brain Cells in Alzheimer's Disease
Viral IncRNAs Regulate Host Genomic Transcriptional Programs Associated with Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11126857
This project explores how certain viruses, like herpes and the one causing COVID-19, might change brain cell activity and contribute to Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11126857 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Current treatments for Alzheimer's disease haven't been very successful, and many genetic factors linked to the disease are in parts of our DNA that control gene activity. This work looks into how viruses like Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus behind COVID-19) might build up in the brain and affect how our genes work. By using advanced techniques to look at individual brain cells from people with and without Alzheimer's, we hope to understand how these viral influences contribute to the disease. This could help us find new ways to slow or stop Alzheimer's progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation, but future clinical trials based on these findings would seek individuals with or at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients not interested in research exploring the viral links to Alzheimer's disease may not find direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for treatments that address the viral contributions to Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the link between viruses and Alzheimer's has been suggested, this approach uses advanced genomic technologies to specifically characterize the cell-type impacts of viral gene products, making it a novel and detailed investigation.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ROSENFELD, MICHAEL G — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- Study coordinator: ROSENFELD, MICHAEL G
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