Small genetic changes in gene 'tails' (3' UTRs) and their link to Alzheimer’s disease
Systematic analysis of functional 3’ UTR genetic variants and their relevance to Alzheimer’s Disease
This project looks for tiny DNA changes at the ends of genes that can change how genes are controlled and may help explain Alzheimer’s in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231240 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, researchers are searching for small genetic differences in the ends of genes (called 3' UTRs) that can change how much of a gene's message survives in cells. They will use genetic data from people and lab tests to see which variants change mRNA regulation, and then connect those changes to pathways involved in Alzheimer’s. The team will test candidate variants in cell models to show how they alter gene expression and relate those findings back to known Alzheimer’s-related genes. If you share genetic data or samples, your information could help link specific variants to disease risk or progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with Alzheimer’s disease or those who have had genetic testing and are willing to share DNA or medical/genetic data for research.
Not a fit: People without available genetic data or those looking for immediate treatment changes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new genetic causes or markers of Alzheimer’s that point to better tests or targets for future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that non-coding genetic variants can change gene regulation in Alzheimer’s, but comprehensive functional mapping of 3' UTR variants is a newer and still-developing approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiao, Xinshu Grace — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Xiao, Xinshu Grace
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.