Investigating a gene that may protect against Alzheimer's disease-related brain damage
Official title: Lrfn2 as a Novel Resilience Factor to Protect Against Alzheimer's Disease-Related Cortical Neurodegeneration
Funded at Jackson Laboratory · NIH-10903429 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gene called Lrfn2 might help protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease, using a special mouse model to see if boosting Lrfn2 levels can slow down brain damage and memory loss, which could lead to new treatments for people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jackson Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bar Harbor, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $34,008 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AG087702-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903429 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of Alzheimer's disease or those showing early signs of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without any genetic predisposition to the condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the gene Lrfn2 may help protect the brain from damage caused by Alzheimer's disease (AD). By studying a specific mouse model of AD, researchers will explore how increasing the levels of Lrfn2 can potentially reduce neurodegeneration and cognitive decline associated with the disease. The study involves advanced imaging techniques to assess brain changes and genetic mapping to identify the role of Lrfn2 in AD progression. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing cognitive resilience against AD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help preserve cognitive function in individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting genetic factors to enhance resilience against neurodegeneration, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Jackson Laboratory
Bar Harbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gurdon, Brianna — Jackson Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Gurdon, Brianna
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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.