Understanding how genetic elements affect brain health in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Transposable Element (TE) RNA regulation via small RNA pathways in aging cells and neurodegeneration.
This project looks at how certain genetic elements, called TEs, become active as we age and how this might affect brain conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11089366 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies contain special genetic pieces called transposable elements, or TEs, which can become active as we get older. When these TEs activate, they might change how our brain cells work and contribute to conditions like Alzheimer's disease. This research explores how our body's natural defense system, called RNA interference, tries to keep these TEs quiet. We aim to understand if this defense system changes in aging and in brain diseases, potentially leading to new ways to protect brain health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to individuals experiencing or at risk for age-related neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options may not directly benefit from this foundational research, as it focuses on understanding disease mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover new ways to prevent or treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's by targeting these genetic elements.
How similar studies have performed: While the research builds on the team's prior work in fruit flies, its application to human aging and neurodegenerative diseases offers a novel direction.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lau, Nelson C — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Lau, Nelson C
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.