# Combine computational prediction, network analysis and genetic screening in C elegans to uncover neurodegenerative causes in Alzheimer's Disease

> **NIH NIH R01** · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $729,794

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia and the most common neurodegenerative disorder,
affecting over 5.5 million people in United States and 47 million people worldwide. Despite the enormous social
economical cost associated with AD, currently the genetic causes for late-onset AD remains poorly characterized
and there exist no cures for AD.
In this project titled “Combine computational prediction, network analysis, and genetic screening in C.
elegans to uncover neurodegenerative causes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD)”, we propose an integrated
systems biology approach that seamlessly combines novel computational genetics prediction, network analysis,
and robust genetic screening in C. elegans to uncover neurodegenerative causes in AD. First, we will develop
novel data-driven network-based systems approach to identify neurodegenerative candidate genes by
leveraging large amounts of phenotypic, genetic and genomic data from humans. Second, we will identify genetic
pathways and molecular networks underlying neurodegeneration; Third, we will evaluate the causal effects of
identified candidate genes, genetic modifiers and molecular networks in a variety of C. elegans models of
neurodegeneration. Our systems biology approach fully utilizes and seamlessly integrate vast amounts of
knowledge and data from humans, which then guides our confirmatory genetic screening in C. elegans. The
output of our project will be lists of candidate causal genes, genetic modifiers and molecular networks for
neurodegeneration, each associated with supporting genetic and phenotypic evidence from both humans and
C. elegans. Our study will generate large amounts of data/knowledge/hypotheses that could serve as a starting
point for others to conduct hypothesis-driven testing in different animal models of neurodegeneration. We will
build a comprehensive knowledge base of Neurodegeneration Genes (NDGenes) and develop interactive web
applications to make all the data publicly available.
The unique and powerful strength of our project is our ability to seamlessly combine novel computational
predictions with genetic screening in C. elegans. Our project will likely lead to discovery of the conserved genes
and regulatory networks that contribute to susceptibility or resilience to neurodegeneration, with translational
implications for the development of therapeutic interventions for AD and other neurodegenerative disorders.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9931101
- **Project number:** 5R01AG061388-03
- **Recipient organization:** CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** SHU G. CHEN
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $729,794
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-30 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9931101

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9931101, Combine computational prediction, network analysis and genetic screening in C elegans to uncover neurodegenerative causes in Alzheimer's Disease (5R01AG061388-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9931101. Licensed CC0.

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