Multimodal characterization of marmoset models of late‑onset Alzheimer's disease
Project 3: Multi-modal phenotypic Characterization of marmoset models of Late Onset Alzheimer's Disease
This project studies detailed brain, molecular, imaging, and behavioral changes in specially bred marmosets to better reflect late‑onset Alzheimer's disease and help guide future treatments for people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168727 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project creates marmosets engineered to carry genetic risks linked to early and late‑onset Alzheimer's and follows them across their lifespan. Researchers will use brain imaging, behavioral testing, molecular analyses, and pathology to build a comprehensive picture of disease progression. The team aims to identify early primate‑specific cellular and molecular changes that rodent models miss. Results will be used to validate improved preclinical models and inform future diagnostic and treatment development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll people and is conducted using marmoset animals rather than human participants.
Not a fit: Patients looking for immediate therapies will not directly benefit because this is preclinical research intended to improve future studies and treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could produce animal models that more closely mirror human Alzheimer's, speeding development of treatments and better diagnostic markers for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Rodent Alzheimer's models have offered useful insights but often fail to replicate key human features, and nonhuman primate models are a newer, less-tested approach intended to bridge that translational gap.
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.