Understanding the APOE Gene and Alzheimer's Risk with Advanced Genetic Mapping
Illuminating the APOE Locus with Long-Read Sequencing and Targeted Genomics
This project aims to understand how genetic differences in the APOE gene affect Alzheimer's disease risk, especially in people of African and European ancestry.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11089546 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Alzheimer's disease is a serious brain condition with limited treatments, and new drug targets are urgently needed. This project uses a new genetic mapping technique called long-read sequencing to look closely at the APOE gene and other related genes. Researchers will examine DNA and RNA samples from thousands of individuals with and without Alzheimer's, including both African-Americans and European-Americans. By doing this, we hope to learn how subtle genetic variations near APOE4 change the APOE4 protein and influence a person's risk for Alzheimer's. This deeper understanding could point to new ways to develop treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of research would be individuals of African or European ancestry, both with and without Alzheimer's disease, who are willing to provide DNA or RNA samples.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have Alzheimer's disease or are not interested in contributing genetic samples for basic research may not directly benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets for medications that could slow or stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the APOE gene is a known risk factor, this project uses a novel long-read sequencing technology to explore genetic variations in unprecedented detail, building upon previous genetic association findings.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greicius, Michael D — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Greicius, Michael D
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.