Understanding how mutations in adult brains increase with age
Official title: Uncovering the origin of hypermutability in adult brains
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10987022 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genetic changes in the brains of adults over 40 might increase as we age, which could help us understand more about age-related brain diseases and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | November 15, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $721,292 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131623-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987022 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 40 and older, particularly those with concerns about neurodegenerative diseases or cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under 40 years old or those without any neurodegenerative conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the phenomenon of hypermutability in the brains of adults, particularly focusing on how genetic mutations accumulate as individuals age. By examining brain samples from adults over 40, the study aims to determine the origins and implications of these mutations, which may contribute to age-related neurodegenerative diseases and potentially brain cancer. The researchers will expand their sample size and analyze the distribution of mutations across different brain regions to gain insights into this process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potential interventions for age-related neurodegenerative diseases and brain cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that genetic mutations play a significant role in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this study's approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
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Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abyzov, Alexej — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Abyzov, Alexej
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.