RURush University · Neuroscience
Alzheimer's Genomics Research Lab
David Alan Bennett · Chicago, Illinois
Research Focus
Dr. David Alan Bennett's lab focuses on understanding the genetic and molecular factors that contribute to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, especially in diverse populations, including those of African ancestry. The lab conducts extensive genomic analyses, including whole genome sequencing and admixture studies, to identify key genetic drivers of these diseases. By analyzing data from autopsied brain samples across Brazil and the USA, the research aims to uncover the complexities of Alzheimer's pathology and promote better health outcomes in affected communities.
Alzheimer's Diseasegenome sequencingneuropathologydiverse populationsadmixture mappingclinical traitsmolecular driverstelomere lengthmitochondrial DNA
Research Aims
5AIM 01Generate whole genome sequencing data from diverse populations.
AIM 02Map genetic associations of Alzheimer's disease variants to neuropathologic traits.
AIM 03Analyze telomere length in relation to Alzheimer's disease clinical features.
AIM 04Investigate the role of mitochondrial DNA in Alzheimer's disease pathology.
AIM 05Explore associations of rare genetic variants with dementia traits.
Skills the Lab Values
whole genome sequencingadmixture mappingDNA extractionbioinformaticsstatistical analysisautopsy techniquesgenetic variant analysisdata managementclinical phenotyping
Output against the department
Publications2,235top 1% of dept.4th of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations184ktop 1% of dept.3rd of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.