Investigating the genetic mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Study of Selective Cell and System Vulnerability in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11013876 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes might play a role in Alzheimer's disease, which affects many older adults, by analyzing genetic information and testing it in lab-grown brain cells to better understand how these genetic differences impact brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,179,588 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG079291-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013876 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or have a family history of the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-onset Alzheimer's or those without any genetic predisposition to the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the genetic factors that contribute to Alzheimer's disease, a common form of dementia in older adults. The team will gather and analyze a variety of genetic and genomic data, including RNA sequencing and whole genome sequencing, to identify specific cell types and mechanisms involved in the disease. They will use advanced techniques like CRISPR to test these findings in lab-grown brain cells and organoids, aiming to uncover how genetic variations affect brain function in Alzheimer's patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the causes of Alzheimer's disease and potential therapeutic targets for treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding genetic factors in Alzheimer's disease, but this approach aims to provide deeper insights through innovative methodologies.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Yun — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Li, Yun
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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.