Marmoset models to uncover how Alzheimer's begins
Generation, Characterization, and Validation of Marmoset Models of Alzheimer's Disease
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11168690
Researchers are creating and studying marmoset monkeys with Alzheimer-related changes to learn how the disease starts and to help people with or at risk for Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11168690 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team will create marmoset monkeys that carry genetic and molecular changes linked to early- and late-onset Alzheimer's and follow them over time. They will use gene-editing, brain imaging, molecular tests, and behavioral checks to track changes from the earliest stages. Comparing genetic, molecular, functional, and pathological signs will help map how Alzheimer's unfolds in a primate brain. This work aims to produce findings that can more directly translate to humans than rodent models can.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with early-onset Alzheimer's, those carrying known genetic risk, and older adults concerned about Alzheimer's are the groups most likely to benefit from findings of this work.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatments, those with non‑Alzheimer dementias, or patients hoping to join a human clinical trial would not directly benefit from this animal-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal the earliest brain changes in Alzheimer's and point to new targets for prevention or treatment in people.
How similar studies have performed: Rodent and cell-based models have provided useful clues, but creating and validating primate (marmoset) models for Alzheimer's is relatively new and less tested at scale.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SILVA, AFONSO C — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: SILVA, AFONSO C
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 below.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's disease model, Alzheimer's disease risk