Investigating how ozone exposure and genetics affect Alzheimer's disease risk in aging individuals
Official title: Sex-dependent synergy between O3 exposure, APOE4 e4 genotype, and aging in the onset of Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10982457 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exposure to ozone and certain genes, especially in women, might affect memory and increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease as we age, using animal models to find ways to help those who are at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $397,296 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG077395-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10982457 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, especially women, who carry the APOEε4 genotype and are exposed to high levels of ozone.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not carry the APOEε4 genotype or are not exposed to ozone may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between ozone exposure, genetic factors, and aging in the development of Alzheimer's disease. It focuses on how the APOEε4 genotype, particularly in women, interacts with environmental factors like ozone to influence memory decline and the onset of Alzheimer's. The study uses animal models to assess the effects of ozone on memory and neuroinflammation, aiming to uncover the mechanisms that contribute to Alzheimer's disease risk. By understanding these interactions, the research seeks to identify potential preventive measures for at-risk populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that reduce Alzheimer's disease risk in vulnerable populations, particularly among women with the APOEε4 genotype.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated a link between environmental pollutants and cognitive decline, suggesting that this research builds on established findings but also explores novel interactions specific to sex and genetics.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Rui-Ming — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Liu, Rui-Ming
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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.