Understanding how certain genes affect brain degeneration in Alzheimer's Disease.
Official title: Elucidation of the mechanisms by which Ms4a genes regulate neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11170844 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes, called Ms4a genes, might help improve thinking and behavior in people with Alzheimer's and other brain disorders, with the hope of finding new treatments that could help patients feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $498,748 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG089801-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170844 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias, particularly those with a family history of these conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative disorders not linked to Ms4a gene polymorphisms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Ms4a genes in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's Disease. The team has discovered that deleting the Ms4a6c gene in mouse models leads to improvements in cognitive and behavioral functions. By exploring the genetic links between Ms4a genes and conditions like Alzheimer's, frontotemporal dementia, and others, the research aims to develop new therapeutic strategies that could benefit patients suffering from these diseases. The approach combines genetic analysis with behavioral assessments in animal models to uncover potential treatment pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and related neurodegenerative disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting genetic factors related to neurodegeneration, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greer, Paul Lieberman — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Greer, Paul Lieberman
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.