Understanding Genetic Elements in Brain Cells and Their Role in Alzheimer's Disease and Healthy Aging
Official title: Identification and Characterization of Cell-Specific Transposable Elements Implicated on Alzheimer Disease and Healthy Aging
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11118952 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how specific genetic elements in brain cells might cause Alzheimer's disease and affect how our brains age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,773,745 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG078964-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11118952 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research uses existing human brain samples and fibroblast cells from individuals with Alzheimer's disease and specific genetic risk factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not interested in contributing biological samples for genetic analysis would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Researchers are looking at unique genetic elements, called transposable elements (TEs), within different brain cells. They will use human brain tissues, specially converted neurons, and immune cells (microglia) grown from stem cells to identify these TEs. The goal is to understand how these TEs change in Alzheimer's disease and how they might contribute to the disease process. This work uses advanced genetic tools to uncover new ways our genes influence brain health and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for developing treatments that slow down or prevent Alzheimer's disease by understanding its genetic roots.
How similar studies have gone: This project combines novel genomic approaches with unique human samples, building on existing knowledge about genetic changes in Alzheimer's disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cruchaga, Carlos — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Cruchaga, Carlos
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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.