Investigating how a specific gene affects brain drainage in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Role of apoE-mediated meningeal lymphatic remodeling in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease
Funded at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville · NIH-10734287 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene related to Alzheimer's disease affects the brain's drainage system as we age, and it aims to find new ways to help people with Alzheimer's by understanding how this process works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Jacksonville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jacksonville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,250,745 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG080556-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10734287 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older, particularly those with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease, such as carriers of the APOE4 allele.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Alzheimer's disease or related cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of the apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE4) gene in the function of meningeal lymphatic vessels, which are crucial for draining fluid from the brain. It aims to understand how aging and the presence of the APOE4 allele impact this drainage system and contribute to the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. By using advanced mouse models, the study will examine the interactions between immune cells and lymphatic endothelial cells in the brain, which may lead to increased neuroinflammation and amyloid buildup. The findings could provide insights into new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments that improve brain drainage and reduce the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, related studies have shown that targeting lymphatic function can influence neurodegenerative processes.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
Jacksonville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Da Mesquita, Sandro — Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
- Study coordinator: Da Mesquita, Sandro
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.