Wake Forest primate biobank for aging and Alzheimer's
Development of a Wake Forest Multi-Species NHP Biorepository to Support Interdisciplinary Aging Studies
They are building a collection of samples and health data from several kinds of monkeys to help understand aging and Alzheimer's disease in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11175357 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, this project brings together tissue samples and health records from four types of non-human primates to study how aging happens. The team will harmonize existing collections, link pedigree and clinical data, and use a data system called MIDAS to combine genetic and other 'omics' information. In the next phase they will analyze liver and blood plasma across ages equivalent to about 18–80 human years to look for molecules that mark biological aging. The goal is a shared resource that lets researchers compare aging patterns across species in a controlled way.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll human participants because it uses non-human primate samples and data rather than recruiting people.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatment or enrollment in a human therapeutic trial are unlikely to benefit directly from this project since it focuses on primate-based laboratory and data work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the biobank and integrated data could uncover biomarkers and biological targets that help prevent, detect, or treat age-related conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Other non-human primate biobanking and comparative aging studies have yielded useful insights but this harmonized, multi-species, omics-focused effort is relatively novel and more comprehensive.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cox, Laura a — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Cox, Laura a
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.