Understanding how cadmium and herpes virus affect Alzheimer's disease genes
Examining the effect of cadmium metal exposure on Alzheimer's disease genetic alleles using herpes viral infected cerebral organoids
This project explores how exposure to cadmium metal and herpes virus infections might influence the genetic factors linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11187210 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are growing tiny brain-like structures, called cerebral organoids, from human stem cells to understand Alzheimer's disease. They are looking at how different genetic variations, especially those related to the immune system, react when exposed to cadmium, a heavy metal, or infected with the herpes virus. The team previously found that herpes virus infection changed important markers for Alzheimer's in these organoids. Now, they want to see if cadmium alone or combined with herpes virus has similar effects and if a person's genes play a role in these responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk, as it explores underlying biological mechanisms.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention will not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand new ways that environmental factors and infections contribute to Alzheimer's disease, potentially leading to new prevention or treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: The research builds upon the team's prior discoveries linking herpes simplex virus 1 to Alzheimer's markers in human cerebral organoids.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chan, Ying Leong — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Chan, Ying Leong
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.