Understanding how Alzheimer's disease genes work together in brain cells
Alzheimer variants: Propagation of shared functional changes across cellular networks
This project explores how different genetic changes linked to Alzheimer's disease interact within brain cells to cause the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11118990 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have many genes, and some small changes in these genes can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. This project looks at how these different genetic changes don't act alone but instead work together in complex ways within brain cells. We are using advanced lab techniques to see how these combined genetic effects lead to the signs of Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to find key points where these interactions trigger the disease process, which could help us find new ways to stop or slow it down.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation but aims to benefit individuals with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk by improving our understanding of the disease's genetic origins.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical intervention would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover new targets for treatments that address the root causes of Alzheimer's disease by understanding how genetic factors combine to drive the condition.
How similar studies have performed: While individual genetic variants have been studied, this project takes a novel approach by systematically examining how combinations of variants interact across cellular networks to trigger Alzheimer's pathology.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Jager, Philip L — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: De Jager, Philip L
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.