Investigating how genetic factors influence Alzheimer's disease risk
Official title: APOE Genotype Mediated Effects on Alzheimer Disease Risk and Mechanisms
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10879309 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes, especially the APOE ɛ2 and ɛ4 types, might influence the chances of getting Alzheimer's disease, and it’s inviting people to participate in genetic testing to help us learn more about this connection and improve future treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $810,698 |
| NIH project number | 1U01AG082665-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10879309 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals with a family history of Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with African ancestry, as well as those carrying the APOE ɛ2 or ɛ4 alleles.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease or those who do not belong to the studied ethnic groups may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific genetic variations, particularly the APOE ɛ2 and ɛ4 alleles, affect the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). By analyzing a large and diverse group of individuals, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms through which these genetic factors operate, including their interactions with age, sex, and ethnicity. Patients may be involved in genetic testing and analysis to help identify these associations, which could lead to better understanding and potential interventions for AD. The research will utilize advanced genomic techniques and large datasets to explore these relationships in depth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved risk assessment and targeted prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown significant associations between APOE genotypes and Alzheimer's disease risk, indicating that this approach has been successful in the past.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farrer, Lindsay a. — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Farrer, Lindsay a.
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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.