Understanding How APOE Genes Affect Alzheimer's Risk
APOE Genotype Mediated Effects on Alzheimer Disease Risk and Mechanisms
This project aims to understand how specific APOE genes influence a person's risk for Alzheimer's disease across different groups of people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11187144 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks closely at how two specific versions of the APOE gene, called epsilon 2 and epsilon 4, impact the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease. We know that epsilon 4 increases risk, but epsilon 2 seems to offer some protection, and we want to learn more about why. Researchers will use information from many people, including diverse ethnic groups, to find new connections between these genes and Alzheimer's. By studying genetic data from hundreds of thousands of individuals, we hope to uncover the biological pathways involved in how these genes affect the disease. This work builds on earlier findings that identified specific proteins and genetic changes linked to Alzheimer's in people with different APOE types.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is primarily focused on analyzing existing genetic data from individuals with and without Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with different APOE gene types and from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention will not receive benefit from this foundational genetic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of Alzheimer's disease, potentially guiding the development of new ways to prevent or treat it based on a person's genetic makeup.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have successfully identified associations between APOE genes and Alzheimer's risk, and this project builds upon those established findings with expanded datasets and novel genetic insights.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farrer, Lindsay a. — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Farrer, Lindsay a.
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.