Understanding how APOE genes and neutrophils affect aging and brain health
Official title: Investigating neutrophilic inflammation as an APOE genotype-specific mediator of neuroinflammation and cognitive decline in aging
Funded at Mc Laughlin Research Institute · NIH-11299053 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how a specific APOE gene variant may drive inflammation and cognitive decline in aging, with a focus on neutrophils and gut/immune interactions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mc Laughlin Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Great Falls, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $639,406 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG079224-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11299053 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include adults with APOE genotypes (especially APOE4) who are aging or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease, willing to provide samples and participate in immunological assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without APOE risk factors or with non-participating conditions may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
The project aims to explore whether neutrophils become more active and live longer in people with different APOE genes, and how this may influence brain aging and Alzheimer’s risk. Researchers will study how gut and peripheral immune signals interact with neutrophils to affect neuroinflammation across APOE genotypes. They plan to identify microbial interactions that could help reduce inflammation and cognitive decline in aging. The work will combine analyses of immune cells, gut biology, and brain health to uncover potential therapeutic targets. By focusing on APOE4 and other APOE variants, the study hopes to reveal mechanisms that connect genetics, inflammation, and dementia risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new strategies to lower inflammation and slow cognitive decline in people at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests APOE-related differences in inflammation exist, but the exact neutrophil mechanisms and microbiome interactions remain to be clarified, making this both grounded and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Mc Laughlin Research Institute
Great Falls, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hensley-Mcbain, Tiffany — Mc Laughlin Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Hensley-Mcbain, Tiffany
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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.