Why some animals live much longer and resist Alzheimer's
Comparative genomics of longevity and Alzheimer's disease
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · NIH-11182514
Researchers are comparing long-lived animals and people to find natural ways to protect the brain from Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11182514 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You will hear about work that compares the DNA and epigenetic patterns of very long-lived mammals, like bowhead whales and naked mole rats, with shorter-lived species to find protective mechanisms. The team looks for genes and DNA-repair systems that keep genomes stable and then tests promising changes in lab models such as mice to see if they improve health and slow Alzheimer-like brain changes. They also measure mutation rates, build biological “age” clocks, and create detailed molecular profiles across species. The goal is to take lessons from long-lived animals and translate them into strategies that could help people live healthier, longer lives without dementia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be older adults, people with Alzheimer's disease or at high risk for AD, or healthy older volunteers willing to provide biological samples for genetic and epigenetic studies.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to aging or neurodegeneration, or those unwilling or unable to provide samples, are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to slow or prevent Alzheimer's by boosting natural genome-protection systems or other longevity mechanisms.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal-based work has shown that improving DNA repair or introducing certain long-lived species genes can extend healthspan or delay Alzheimer-like pathology in mice, but these approaches remain largely unproven in people.
Where this research is happening
ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER — ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GORBUNOVA, VERA — UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- Study coordinator: GORBUNOVA, VERA
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome