Understanding Genetic Changes in Aging Brains and Alzheimer's Disease
Rates and mechanisms of age-related somatic mutation in normal and Alzheimer brain
This research looks at how tiny genetic changes build up in brain cells over time, especially in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11076197 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Brain diseases like Alzheimer's are closely linked to aging, but we don't fully understand the underlying reasons. Our previous work discovered that individual brain cells accumulate many small genetic changes, called somatic mutations, as we get older. We also observed that these changes happen at a significantly faster rate in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. This project aims to further explore how these genetic changes accumulate in different brain regions throughout a person's life and how they might contribute to Alzheimer's and other brain conditions. This work uses advanced techniques to study DNA from single brain cells obtained after death.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals concerned about Alzheimer's disease, brain aging, or those who have donated brain tissue for scientific study.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have Alzheimer's disease or other age-related brain conditions may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand the root causes of Alzheimer's disease and potentially lead to new ways to prevent or treat it.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this research group has already shown that genetic changes accumulate in human brain cells, laying the groundwork for this deeper exploration.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walsh, Christopher a. — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Walsh, Christopher a.
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.