Stopping LINE‑1 activity to reduce Alzheimer's brain inflammation
Project 3: Inhibition of L1 to Alleviate Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenosis in Mouse Models
Researchers will try genetic and drug approaches to block LINE‑1, a mobile genetic element, to reduce brain inflammation and damage linked to Alzheimer's disease.
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-11242060 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, the team uses mouse models of Alzheimer's to see whether silencing LINE‑1 lowers harmful inflammation and tissue damage. They will apply genetic tools and candidate drugs that reduce LINE‑1 activity and then measure brain inflammation, protein markers of Alzheimer's, and memory-related behaviors. The project also compares findings with human brain samples and examines links to SIRT6, a protein known to control LINE‑1. Together with other projects and cores, the researchers aim to connect the molecular effects of LINE‑1 to Alzheimer's symptoms and potential treatment leads.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment would be the eventual target for treatments from this work and could be eligible for related biospecimen donation or future clinical trials.
Not a fit: Individuals without Alzheimer's or those with very advanced dementia are unlikely to get direct benefit from this preclinical project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that lower brain inflammation and slow Alzheimer's progression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked LINE‑1 reactivation to aging and inflammation, but using LINE‑1 silencing as a therapy for Alzheimer's is largely new and unproven in humans.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Brown University — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gorbunova, Vera — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Gorbunova, Vera
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.