Why some adult brains have extra DNA mutations
Uncovering the origin of hypermutability in adult brains
This project looks for causes of unusually high numbers of DNA changes found in some adult brains, especially in older adults and people with Alzheimer's.
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 ID | NIH-11234312 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will expand and analyze a larger set of donated adult brain samples to map where extra DNA mutations occur across brain regions. They will use high-depth DNA sequencing and genetic analyses to look for patterns linking these mutations to aging, Alzheimer-related biology, or cancer-related genes. The team will compare regional distributions and mutation signatures to test whether hypermutability comes from ongoing mutational processes, shifts in cell lineages, or disease-related changes. Results aim to clarify whether these mutations contribute to neurodegeneration or reflect other brain changes with age.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults (often over age 40), including people with Alzheimer's and age-matched controls, who can donate brain tissue or participate in brain-donation programs.
Not a fit: Young people under 40 or those with conditions unrelated to age-related brain mutations are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal whether excess brain mutations raise risk for Alzheimer's or brain cancer and point to new approaches for prevention or monitoring.
How similar studies have performed: The investigators previously reported the hypermutability phenomenon, but linking its origins to aging, Alzheimer’s, or cancer risk is a new and largely untested area.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- 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 below.