Switching a gene to potentially treat Alzheimer's disease
Official title: APOE Allele Switching as a Therapeutic Approach for Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10992623 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether changing a specific gene linked to Alzheimer's disease can help improve brain function and reduce symptoms, using special mice to see how this switch might work for people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $578,038 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG080589-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992623 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease, particularly those carrying the APOE E4 allele.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not carry the APOE E4 allele or those with advanced Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the possibility of switching the APOE gene from a harmful variant (E4) to a protective variant (E2) to combat Alzheimer's disease. By using specially designed mouse models, the team aims to understand how this gene switch can affect brain function and potentially reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's. The study will explore which types of brain cells are most impacted by the E4 variant and whether changing the gene later in life can help improve cognitive function. This approach could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative gene therapies that significantly improve cognitive function and quality of life for Alzheimer's patients.
How similar studies have gone: While gene therapy approaches are being explored in various contexts, this specific method of allele switching for Alzheimer's is novel and has not been extensively tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Lance Allen — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Lance Allen
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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.