Identifying gene-level biomarkers to understand Alzheimer's disease mechanisms in human neurons
Official title: Utilizing gene-level biomarkers of AD to identify pathophysiological mechanisms in human neurons
Funded at Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci · NIH-10727531 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes might help us understand what happens in the brain during Alzheimer's disease by using special nerve cells made from patients' own skin cells, so we can learn more about the disease and how it affects people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (North Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $422,645 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG083638-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10727531 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with sporadic or familial Alzheimer's disease, as well as age and sex-matched healthy controls.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how gene-level biomarkers can help identify the mechanisms behind Alzheimer's disease by using human induced neurons (HiNs) derived from patient cells. By transforming easily obtainable cells like fibroblasts into neurons, researchers can study the aging process and disease-related changes in a relevant cell type. The study will analyze gene expression profiles from both Alzheimer's patients and healthy individuals to uncover the biological pathways involved in the disease. This approach aims to reveal the physiological effects of genetic variations and their role in Alzheimer's pathology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better identification of individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease and inform the development of targeted therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using stem cell-derived neurons to study Alzheimer's disease, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
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Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
North Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stutzmann, Grace E. — Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
- Study coordinator: Stutzmann, Grace E.
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.