Tracking how the adult brain makes new neurons during aging and Alzheimer's
Endogenous barcoding to determine complex dynamics of adult neurogenesis in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Researchers are using a barcode-like genetic method in animals to follow how brain stem cells make new neurons during aging and Alzheimer's so we can better understand memory loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306602 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses a new 'endogenous barcoding' technique in mice to label neural stem cells and trace their descendants over time. By comparing normal aging brains to Alzheimer's models, the team will look for which steps in neuron production break down. The researchers aim to separate changes caused by aging from those caused by Alzheimer's disease to find points that could be fixed. Although the experiments are done in the lab, the findings could point to ways to restore neuron production and improve thinking and memory.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease dementia or older adults concerned about age-related memory decline would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment effects or those with cognitive symptoms from non-Alzheimer causes are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to ways to restore or boost new neuron production and guide therapies to improve memory in people with Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Related lineage-tracing and cell-labeling methods have produced useful insights in animal work, but endogenous barcoding of adult neurogenesis is a newer, early-stage technique.
Where this research is happening
Stony Brook, United States
- State University New York Stony Brook — Stony Brook, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Enikolopov, Grigori N — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Enikolopov, Grigori N
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.