Investigating genetic factors that may drive Alzheimer's disease progression
Official title: Short tandem repeats as a novel genetic driver of Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10865591 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genetic patterns might affect when Alzheimer's disease starts and how fast it gets worse, using data from over 11,000 people, to help us understand the disease better and find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $143,135 |
| NIH project number | 1K08AG086591-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10865591 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, particularly those with a family history of the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-genetic forms of dementia or those without a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of short tandem repeats (STRs) in the genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). By analyzing existing genetic data from over 11,000 individuals, the study aims to determine how these genetic variations influence the age at which AD begins and how quickly it progresses. The researchers will also examine whether these STRs become unstable in brain cells of AD patients, potentially contributing to neurodegeneration. This work could lead to a better understanding of the genetic underpinnings of AD and inform future treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the genetic factors that influence Alzheimer's disease, potentially paving the way for targeted therapies.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of STRs in other neurological diseases has been studied, this specific investigation into their impact on Alzheimer's disease is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Michael Haoming — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Guo, Michael Haoming
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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.