Investigating how toxic metal exposures affect brain aging and Alzheimer's disease using mouse models
Official title: Leveraging novel mouse models to investigate toxic metal exposures on brain aging and Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10973886 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exposure to harmful metals might affect brain aging and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, especially in people with a certain genetic trait, to help find better ways to prevent and treat cognitive decline.
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 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,122,961 |
| NIH project number | 1U01AG088683-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973886 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over 21 years old who may be at risk for Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with the APOE-ε4 allele.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease or who are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of toxic metal exposures on brain aging and the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) using advanced mouse models. The team aims to understand the biological mechanisms that link environmental factors, such as toxicants, with genetic predispositions, particularly focusing on the APOE-ε4 allele. By studying these interactions, the research seeks to uncover how age, sex, and exposure to harmful substances influence the pathology of AD. The findings could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for individuals at risk of cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights that lead to new prevention strategies and treatments for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of environmental factors in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldstein, Lee E. — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Goldstein, Lee E.
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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.