Understanding how a gene called APOE affects brain energy in Alzheimer's disease
APOE Regulation of Neuron-Astrocyte Metabolic Coupling in Alzheimer's Disease
This research explores how a specific gene, APOE, influences how brain cells share energy and fats, which could play a role in Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11082368 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains need a lot of energy, and problems with how brain cells get and use this energy are common in Alzheimer's disease. We know that a gene called APOE, especially its e4 variant, is a major risk factor for developing Alzheimer's and affects how the brain handles energy and fats. This project aims to discover how APOE changes the way different brain cells, like neurons and astrocytes, work together to manage fats and energy. We believe that disruptions in this cell-to-cell communication could lead to the brain cell problems and memory decline seen in Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding disease mechanisms at a cellular level and is not directly recruiting patients at this time.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not receive benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover new ways to target the metabolic issues in the brain that contribute to Alzheimer's disease, potentially leading to new treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While the link between APOE and Alzheimer's is well-established, this specific focus on cell-type specific metabolic uncoupling is a novel approach to understanding its mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yin, Fei — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Yin, Fei
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.