Role of Klotho and Estrogen in Protecting the Brain from Alzheimer’s Disease
Official title: A Systems Biology Approach to Understand the Role of Klotho and Estrogen in Combating Neurodegeneration
Funded at Humboldt State University · NIH-11359845 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A systems biology approach will explore how hormones and genes linked to aging influence brain inflammation and metabolism in people at risk for or living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Humboldt State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Arcata, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $267,525 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AG101767-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11359845 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, especially women with APOE4 gene variants, who may contribute samples or participate in future translational efforts.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without Alzheimer’s risk factors or those not involved in later translational studies may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses computer models to study how estrogen signals, the Klotho gene, and the APOE4 genotype affect brain immune cells, metabolism, and the blood-brain barrier. By combining mathematical simulations of molecular pathways with cell-level modeling, researchers aim to identify how these factors interact to influence Alzheimer’s progression. The findings could illuminate why women with APOE4 are more vulnerable and point to new targets for therapies that support brain health in aging. The work focuses on the hippocampus, a key brain region involved in memory.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to biomarkers or new therapeutic strategies that slow neurodegeneration and preserve memory in people at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous computational models have provided insights into immune and metabolic pathways in neurodegeneration, but this project combines hormonal signaling with genetic factors in a novel way to predict outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Humboldt State University
Arcata, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Larripa, Kamila — Humboldt State University
- Study coordinator: Larripa, Kamila
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.