Uncover how genes and lead exposure interact to drive Alzheimer's and related dementias as we age
Official title: Elucidate Gene-environmental interactions employed by Pb in promoting ADRD in aging brains
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11384662 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how genetic factors and exposure to lead during development come together to influence aging brain changes that can lead to Alzheimer's and related dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $784,998 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AG088662-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384662 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias who have known exposure histories or are willingness to contribute biological samples/models to research on gene-environment interactions.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without ADRD risk factors or lead exposure history may see less direct benefit from these specific findings.
What this research studies
Researchers at Purdue University will study how developmental lead exposure interacts with aging processes in human neuron models to influence the onset of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. They will use age-appropriate human neuronal systems and a novel brain environment to examine how lead-related genetic factors affect early brain aging and disease markers. The project builds on prior work showing ADRD-related changes with lead exposure and aims to validate genetic risk factors that modify this effect. The work will generate insights into how environmental and genetic risks combine over time to shape the aging brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify people who are more vulnerable to lead-related dementia risk and inform strategies to prevent or delay ADRD by addressing gene-environment interactions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that environmental exposures can influence ADRD risk factors, and this project extends that work with human neuronal models to study gene interactions, offering a potentially novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yuan, Chongli — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Yuan, Chongli
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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.