Investigating DNA changes in brain cells related to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: DNA Methylation Signatures of Alzheimer's Disease in Aged Astrocyte
Funded at University of Texas San Antonio · NIH-11128055 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in DNA affect brain cells called astrocytes in people with Alzheimer's disease, using skin cells turned into astrocytes to help us understand what happens as we age and how it might lead to the disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas San Antonio NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $7,514 |
| NIH project number | 3R21AG085428-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128055 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who may be at risk for or are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-onset Alzheimer's disease or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how DNA methylation, a type of epigenetic modification, affects astrocytes, which are non-neuronal cells in the brain, in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study aims to develop a model using adult human fibroblasts converted into astrocytes to mimic age-related changes in DNA and gene expression. By examining these changes, the research seeks to uncover the role of astrocytes in AD progression and how they contribute to the disease's pathology. This approach could provide insights into the mechanisms of AD and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for diagnosing or treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting the role of astrocytes and their epigenetic changes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using fibroblast-derived astrocytes is novel, there is existing research indicating that studying epigenetic changes in brain cells can provide valuable insights into Alzheimer's disease.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas San Antonio
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carless, Melanie — University of Texas San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Carless, Melanie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.