Understanding how a specific gene affects fat metabolism in brain cells related to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Assessing the role of APOE in glial lipid droplet metabolism and function
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11058496 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene called APOE affects fat processing in brain cells, especially in people with Alzheimer's disease, to find new ways to help treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $560,263 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081421-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058496 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older, particularly those who carry the APOE4 allele and are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the APOE gene in the metabolism of lipids within brain cells, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It focuses on how variations in the APOE gene, especially the APOE4 allele, influence lipid transport and metabolism in glial cells, which are crucial for brain health. The study will involve manipulating APOE levels in astrocytes and microglia to observe changes in lipid composition and metabolism, potentially revealing new insights into AD mechanisms. By understanding these processes, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets for AD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting lipid metabolism in the brain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of APOE in lipid metabolism, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into Alzheimer's disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cohen, Sarah — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Cohen, Sarah
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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.