Mobile DNA elements and Alzheimer's-related brain changes
Project 2: Role of Retrotransposable Element Activity in Drosophila Models of Alzheimer's Disease
Researchers are testing whether calming 'jumping' bits of DNA in brain cells can slow or delay Alzheimer's-related damage using fruit fly models.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11242056 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses fruit flies (Drosophila) to study whether increased activity of mobile DNA elements contributes to brain aging and Alzheimer's-like neurodegeneration. Scientists will track how these elements change with age in specific neurons and glia and how Alzheimer-linked proteins affect DNA activity and chromatin state. They will run genetic screens in flies to find genes and pathways that suppress mobile DNA activity and then test whether those interventions extend healthy lifespan or reduce neurodegeneration. Findings aim to reveal biological targets that could one day guide therapies for people with or at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not enroll people now, but future human trials based on these findings would likely include older adults with early-stage Alzheimer's or those at high risk for the disease.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatments or those with advanced Alzheimer's should not expect direct benefit from this basic lab research at present.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new biological targets for therapies that slow or delay Alzheimer's-related brain damage.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have suggested mobile DNA activity rises with age and may contribute to neurodegeneration, but translating these findings into human treatments is still early and largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Brown University — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Helfand, Stephen L — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Helfand, Stephen L
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.