Understanding APOE's Role in Brain Blood Vessels, Aging, and Alzheimer's
Impact of vascular apoE in aging and AD
This research explores how different versions of the APOE gene in brain blood vessels affect brain health and memory as we age and in Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Jacksonville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jacksonville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11105830 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that the APOE gene plays a big part in both memory and Alzheimer's disease, affecting not only amyloid-beta buildup but also the health of blood vessels in the brain. Since problems with brain blood vessels contribute to memory decline in older adults, this project aims to discover how specific APOE gene types in these vessel cells influence brain blood flow and thinking abilities during aging and in Alzheimer's. We are using special mouse models that carry human APOE genes to observe these effects. Our goal is to uncover the exact ways APOE impacts brain blood vessel health and cognitive decline.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is most relevant to patients interested in the genetic and vascular causes of Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by or concerned with Alzheimer's disease, aging, or APOE genetics may not find direct benefit from this specific basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to protect brain blood vessels and prevent memory loss in people with different APOE gene types, especially those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of APOE in Alzheimer's is well-established, this project uses novel mouse models to specifically investigate its function within vascular mural cells, exploring new mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
Jacksonville, United States
- Mayo Clinic Jacksonville — Jacksonville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kanekiyo, Takahisa — Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
- Study coordinator: Kanekiyo, Takahisa
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.