Understanding how a specific gene mutation protects against Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Elucidating the Cell-Type Specific Neuroprotective Mechanisms in the APOE3 Christchurch Mutation in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10997317 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special change in a gene that seems to help some people resist Alzheimer's disease, and by using mice with this change, researchers hope to find out how certain brain cells help protect against the disease, which could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $76,984 |
| NIH project number | 5F32AG085960-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997317 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with early-onset forms or specific genetic mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease or those with late-onset Alzheimer's not linked to genetic mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neuroprotective mechanisms associated with a rare mutation in the APOE3 gene, which appears to provide resilience against Alzheimer's disease in certain patients. By creating a mouse model that mimics this mutation, researchers will use advanced techniques like single nuclei RNA sequencing to identify the specific cell types, such as microglia and astrocytes, that contribute to this protective effect. The goal is to uncover insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance neuroprotection in Alzheimer's disease patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding genetic factors in Alzheimer's disease, but this specific approach focusing on the APOE3 Christchurch mutation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Naguib, Sarah — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Naguib, 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.