Investigating genetic factors to improve Alzheimer's Disease treatment
Official title: A comprehensive study of APOE and the noncoding RNA AANCR to advance Alzheimer’s Disease treatment
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11221810 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene related to Alzheimer's disease might be adjusted to help create better treatments, especially using new gene therapy techniques, to support people living with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $389,999 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AG088044-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11221810 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, particularly those who carry the APOE4 allele.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease or those who do not carry the APOE4 allele may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the APOE gene, particularly the APOE4 allele, which is a significant genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's Disease. The study aims to explore how the expression of APOE can be regulated and how recent advancements in gene therapy, such as mRNA vaccines, can be applied to develop targeted treatments for patients with Alzheimer's. By investigating the enhancer RNA AANCR, the research seeks to uncover new therapeutic strategies that could lead to precision medicine for those affected by this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted therapies that significantly improve treatment options for Alzheimer's Disease patients carrying the APOE4 allele.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in gene therapy approaches, this specific focus on APOE4 and AANCR represents a novel exploration in the context of Alzheimer's treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheung, Vivian G — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Cheung, Vivian G
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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.