Understanding how genes fold in the brain related to smell and Alzheimer's disease

Interrogating genome folding trajectories in health and disease

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10911096

This study is looking at how genes that help us smell work together and how these interactions might change in people with Alzheimer's disease, so we can better understand how their sense of smell is affected.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10911096 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex interactions of genes responsible for our sense of smell and how these interactions may change in conditions like Alzheimer's disease. By using advanced techniques to track the development of olfactory sensory neurons, the study aims to map out how specific genes are activated during this process. The researchers will employ innovative methods to visualize these genetic interactions at a single-cell level, providing insights into the normal and disrupted gene folding trajectories in health and disease. This could lead to a better understanding of how olfactory functions are affected in Alzheimer's patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with Alzheimer's disease or those experiencing olfactory dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients without any olfactory issues or those not affected by Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of Alzheimer's disease and potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting olfactory dysfunction.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of mapping gene folding in olfactory neurons is novel, similar studies have shown success in understanding genetic interactions in other contexts.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer disease screeningAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.