Investigating how aging and a specific gene variant affect blood vessel health and cognitive decline.
Endothelial cell senescence and APOE4 in vascular cognitive impairment and dementia
This study is looking at how getting older and a specific gene called APOE4 might affect brain health and thinking skills by examining damaged cells in blood vessels, and it's using mice to find out more about how these factors lead to memory problems, with the hope of discovering new ways to help people with cognitive decline.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Jacksonville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jacksonville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11045784 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how aging and the APOE4 gene variant contribute to vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. It examines the role of senescent endothelial cells, which are damaged cells in blood vessels, and how they affect blood flow and brain health. Using mouse models, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these processes and how they lead to cognitive decline. By exploring these pathways, the research seeks to identify potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those with the APOE4 gene variant or experiencing cognitive decline.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger or do not have cognitive impairment or the APOE4 gene variant may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve brain health and cognitive function in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of vascular health in cognitive decline, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
Jacksonville, United States
- Mayo Clinic Jacksonville — Jacksonville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kanekiyo, Takahisa — Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
- Study coordinator: Kanekiyo, Takahisa
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 below.