Investigating how repeated head impacts affect DNA changes linked to brain diseases.
Official title: Aberrant DNA Methylation Associated with Repetitive Head Impact Exposure and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11066628 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how repeated hits to the head from sports, military service, or domestic violence affect brain health, especially focusing on changes in our genes that might help us find early signs of brain issues like CTE, so we can improve diagnosis and treatment for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31NS141294-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066628 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of repetitive head impacts, such as athletes in contact sports or military personnel.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced repetitive head impacts or those with unrelated neurodegenerative conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the effects of repetitive head impacts, which can occur in contact sports, military service, or domestic violence, on brain health. It aims to identify genetic changes, specifically in DNA methylation, that may be associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other neurodegenerative conditions. By analyzing brain tissue from individuals with varying levels of head impact exposure, the study seeks to uncover potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment options for CTE. This could lead to significant advancements in how we understand and manage brain injuries related to head trauma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the identification of biomarkers for early diagnosis and potential treatments for chronic traumatic encephalopathy and related neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in identifying genetic alterations related to neurodegenerative diseases, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Breen, Kerry Ann — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Breen, Kerry Ann
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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.