Understanding how Alzheimer's risk genes affect blood vessels in the brain
Investigating the Functional Impact of AD Risk Genes on Neuro-Vascular Interactions
This project aims to understand how certain genes linked to Alzheimer's disease affect the brain's blood vessels, which could help us find new ways to treat the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Regenerative Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11121940 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on the strong connection between blood vessel problems in the brain and Alzheimer's disease, which is linked to changes in memory and thinking. Researchers believe that specific genes associated with Alzheimer's might harm these blood vessels, leading to inflammation, issues with the blood-brain barrier, and reduced blood flow, all of which contribute to brain cell damage. Our team will use advanced genetic tools and models to study these Alzheimer's risk genes in vascular cells, looking at how they contribute to brain blood vessel disease. We will also consider how these gene effects might differ between men and women, and in people with metabolic diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future clinical trials stemming from this work would likely seek individuals with or at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients currently seeking direct treatment or immediate diagnostic tools will not directly benefit from this early-stage research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets for therapies that protect brain blood vessels and slow down or prevent Alzheimer's disease progression.
How similar studies have performed: While the link between vascular dysfunction and Alzheimer's is recognized, this specific approach to systematically investigate the functional impact of multiple Alzheimer's risk genes on vascular cells is a novel and comprehensive effort.
Where this research is happening
Albany, UNITED STATES
- Regenerative Research Foundation — Albany, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Temple, Sally — Regenerative Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Temple, Sally
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.