Noncoding RNAs that help protect the brain in Alzheimer's
Official title: Non-coding RNAs in resilience to Alzheimer’s Disease
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11299008 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at tiny RNA molecules that might help some older people keep their memory despite Alzheimer's brain changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $844,278 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082093-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11299008 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are older adults with evidence of Alzheimer's brain changes—such as biomarkers or imaging—who remain cognitively intact, or people willing to provide samples for research.
✕Less likely to help
People with advanced Alzheimer's and substantial existing cognitive decline are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this early-stage research.
What this research studies
This project searches for small noncoding RNAs that appear to give some older adults resilience against cognitive decline even when their brains show Alzheimer’s pathology. Researchers will compare biological samples from resilient individuals to those with cognitive decline and use laboratory 3-D brain cell models to test how these RNAs affect cells. They will map the genes and stress-response pathways controlled by protective RNAs and test whether changing these RNAs alters resilience in model systems. The team aims to identify RNA targets that could be boosted or mimicked to help preserve memory.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to RNA-based targets or treatments that strengthen the brain's resistance to Alzheimer's-related memory loss.
How similar studies have gone: Early research shows noncoding RNAs can affect brain aging and stress responses, but translating those findings into human treatments is still new and largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Slack, Frank J. — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Slack, Frank J.
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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.