Whole Genome Sequencing and Admixture Analyses of Neuropathologic Traits in Diverse Cohorts
Official title: Whole Genome Sequencing and Admixture Analyses of Neuropathologic Traits in Diverse Cohorts in USA and Brazil
Funded at Rush University Medical Center · NIH-11557373 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large genetics study will look for genes and proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in people of African ancestry using brain samples from the US and Brazil.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,226,060 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AG075927-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11557373 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias who have brain tissue or DNA available and represent diverse ancestries, especially African descent.
✕Less likely to help
People without access to brain tissue samples or related clinical data may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project will use whole genome sequencing and advanced ancestry analyses to identify molecular drivers of AD/ADRD traits in admixed populations. It builds on prior work and leverages brain autopsy data from PARDoS in Brazil and additional US cohorts to examine how genetic variation and admixture influence neuropathology. Researchers will sequence thousands of samples, map admixture patterns, and explore how known risk variants relate to brain changes seen in AD/ADRD. The findings could point to new targets for diagnosis or therapy in diverse populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could improve understanding of why AD/ADRD affects people of African ancestry and help tailor prevention and treatment approaches.
How similar studies have gone: Previous multi-omics work identified molecular drivers in non-Latino whites; this study extends those methods to admixed populations, showing promise for meaningful discoveries.
Where this research is happening
-
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bennett, David Alan — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bennett, David Alan
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.