Mapping brain changes in a rodent model of Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Neuropathological and spatial transcriptome brain maps in Octodon degus, a natural Alzheimer's disease rodent model
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10993099 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Alzheimer's disease affects the brain by using a special type of rodent that shows similar signs of the disease, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about Alzheimer's and finding new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $45,458 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AG082485-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993099 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk of developing it, particularly older adults.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-Alzheimer's forms of dementia or cognitive impairment unrelated to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease using the Octodon degus, a rodent that naturally exhibits traits similar to human Alzheimer's. The study aims to create detailed maps of brain structure and gene expression in these animals, particularly focusing on those that show cognitive deficits. By comparing these maps with behavioral data, the research seeks to identify new potential targets for treatment. This approach may provide insights into the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and help develop better therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease, potentially improving treatment options for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success using unconventional animal models to study Alzheimer's disease, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garduno, Bernardo Maximiliano — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Garduno, Bernardo Maximiliano
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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.