Whole genome sequencing to understand Alzheimer’s in people of African and Latin ancestry
Official title: Whole Genome Sequencing and Admixture Analyses of Neuropathologic Traits in White, Black, and Latino Americans and Brazilians
Funded at Rush University Medical Center · NIH-11416495 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant aims to find genes and proteins that drive Alzheimer’s-related brain changes in people with African, Brazilian, and mixed ancestries, using large genetic and brain pathology data.
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) | $2,290,856 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG075927-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416495 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, especially those of African, Brazilian, or admixed ancestry.
✕Less likely to help
People without these conditions or without participation in genetic or brain tissue studies may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will sequence genomes and analyze ancestry-specific brain changes in over 7,000 individuals across Brazil and the United States. They will map genetic variants to Alzheimer’s pathology and look for how admixture affects disease traits. The study builds on prior work and uses autopsy data and advanced multi-omics to uncover targets tied to dementia in diverse populations. Results could reveal why some groups are at higher risk and point to new avenues for prevention and treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding genetic factors could lead to better risk prediction and personalized approaches for prevention and care in diverse populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous multi-omics approaches identified molecular drivers in White populations; this study extends that work to diverse groups and has the potential for meaningful impact.
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.