Administrative

PROJECT ABSTRACT – ADMINISTRATIVE CORE A
The mission of the Perimenopause in Brain Aging and Alzheimer’s disease (P3) is to discover biological
transformations in brain that occur during the perimenopausal transition that lead to endophenotypes predictive
of risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Each year ~1.5 million American women enter into the perimenopause, a
neuroendocrine transition state unique to the female. Herein, we focus on the neuro-immune system as a key
driver of chronological and endocrinological aging that occurs in the midlife female brain. Our goals are to identify
the mechanisms by which these transformations occur and to translate these discoveries into strategies to
prevent conversion to an at-Alzheimer's-risk phenotype. The P3 is a mission focused, synergistic and integrated
program of research that spans molecular, cellular, systems biology, population and clinical science. To achieve
P3 research goals, Administrative Core A (Core A) sets a strategic vision and provides structural organization
and resources to facilitate research endeavors and integration across all Projects and Cores. Experts in the
aging brain, Alzheimer’s disease, molecular and cellular bioenergetics, metabolic and immune systems of
biology, medical informatics, advanced human brain imaging and research will advance P3 research. To achieve
the P3 mission, Core A will execute three Specific Aims. In Aim1, we set a clear strategic vision and provide
tactical management and support to achieve Project, Core and Program-wide goals. Aim 1 will provide and
enable program-wide management of research productivity, resources, and integration through proactive project
management, Program Sync Meetings, Fiscal Management, Data Management and Publication of research
findings. Aim 1 will also serve as a research training hub for pre-doctoral (T32AG061897), post-doctoral
(T32AG044402), Navajo undergraduate (R25NS107185) and clinical (P30AG019610) fellows. In Aim 2, Core A
will enable P3-wide integration of resources, conduct of research and data analytics. Activities include deploying
transparent and effective program-wide collaboration and communication tools; including: (i) a cloud-based
veterinary management system, (ii) common electronic laboratory notebook, and (iii) data repository and analysis
hub. In Aim 3 Core A will enable P3-wide Integrated Data Fusion and Systems Biology Analysis. Activities
include: (i) Integration of data (fusion) for computational analyses, (ii) executing cross-cutting computational
systems biology analyses, and (iii) providing program-wide statistical, bioinformatic design to ensure full data
harmonization and integration to facilitate the sharing of data and expedite translation. Outcomes of
Administrative Core will enable achieving P3 goals through strategic, tactical and analytic support to all Projects
and Cores. The Perimenopause in Brain Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease program of research addresses key
strategic goals of the National Institutes on Aging’s 2016: Aging Well in the 21st Century: Strategic Directions for
Research on Aging, specifically Goals A (1,2,3,7,8,11) & D (1,2,4).

Grant Number: 5P01AG026572-20
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: ROBERTA BRINTON