Sex-Specific Differences in Alzheimer’s Disease are Characterized by Unique Alterations in Cellular Network Structure

About the Research Project
Program
Award Type
Bold Ideas initiatives
Award Amount
$50,000
Active Dates
January 01, 2014 - December 31, 2014
Grant ID
C2014001
Acknowledgement
Co-Principal Investigator(s)
John Quackenbush, PhD, Harvard School of Public Health
Goals
This study harnesses the power of big data sciences to profile gene expression data from men and women affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Summary
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) affects nearly five million people annually in the US, nearly two-thirds of whom are women. While numerous studies have attempted to identify genetic and environmental causes for the disease, little progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms that drive its development and progression. Gene expression profiling data captures a snapshot of the molecular state of the cell and can provide a window on the processes that are active in normal and disease states. Here we are proposing to use a systems-biology approach to investigate sexual dimorphism in AD by modeling the transcriptional networks that are activated in normal and disease tissue in both males and females. Our preliminary findings suggest that there are sex-specific differences in brain tissue transcriptional networks that converge as AD develops and progresses. We are proposing to further validate our preliminary findings in additional data sets in order to identify sex-specific biomarkers, and to inform potential sex-specific therapeutic interventions that will address the unique aspects of AD in females and males.
Grants
Related Grants
Alzheimer's Disease Research
Regulatory Mechanisms Underlying Endosomal Targeting of SORL1
Active Dates
January 01, 2025 - December 31, 2026
Principal Investigator
Olav Andersen, PhD
Regulatory Mechanisms Underlying Endosomal Targeting of SORL1
Active Dates
January 01, 2025 - December 31, 2026

Principal Investigator
Olav Andersen, PhD
Alzheimer's Disease Research
Synergistic Effects of Biological Sex and Sleep Loss in an AD Mouse Model
Active Dates
January 01, 2025 - December 31, 2026
Principal Investigator
Mallar Chakravarty, PhD
Synergistic Effects of Biological Sex and Sleep Loss in an AD Mouse Model
Active Dates
January 01, 2025 - December 31, 2026
Principal Investigator
Mallar Chakravarty, PhD
Alzheimer's Disease Research
The Role of DYRK1A in Altered Microglia Biology in a Cellular Model of Alzheimer’s Disease in Down Syndrome
Active Dates
January 01, 2025 - December 31, 2027
Principal Investigator
Frances Wiseman, PhD
The Role of DYRK1A in Altered Microglia Biology in a Cellular Model of Alzheimer’s Disease in Down Syndrome
Active Dates
January 01, 2025 - December 31, 2027

Principal Investigator
Frances Wiseman, PhD