Investigating how a specific gene affects brain energy supply in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Cerebrovascular contributions to APOE4-mediated brain bioenergetic deficits in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Roskamp Institute, INC. · NIH-10739352 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene linked to Alzheimer's disease affects the way the brain gets energy as people get older, especially for those who carry the gene, and it hopes to find new ways to help improve brain health for these individuals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Roskamp Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sarasota, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $449,460 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG080375-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10739352 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who carry the APOE E4 allele and are at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not carry the APOE E4 allele or who have other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the role of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) E4 allele, a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, in causing cerebrovascular dysfunction that impacts brain energy metabolism. It examines how individuals with this allele experience difficulties in glucose transport to the brain as they age, leading to harmful metabolic changes in neurons. The study utilizes animal models to explore the connections between glucose sensing, fatty acid metabolism, and energy supply in the brain, aiming to uncover potential therapeutic targets for improving brain health in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing brain energy supply and slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease in patients with the APOE E4 allele.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of cerebrovascular health in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Roskamp Institute, INC.
Sarasota, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abdullah, Laila — Roskamp Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Abdullah, Laila
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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.