Boosting a protein in the brain to protect against Alzheimer's disease
Increasing synaptic PSD-95, a neuroprotection approach against Alzheimer's disease
This study is looking at how a protein called PSD-95 can help protect brain cells from damage in Alzheimer's disease, and it's testing a drug that boosts this protein in mice to see if it can prevent early signs of the disease, which could lead to new treatments for people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11263415 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called PSD-95 in protecting brain cells from damage caused by Alzheimer's disease. It focuses on how increasing the levels of PSD-95 can prevent synaptic loss, which is one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer's. The researchers are using a drug called Palmostatin B to enhance PSD-95 levels in the brain and are conducting experiments in mice to observe the effects. If successful, this approach could lead to new treatments that help maintain cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk of developing it.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that slow down or prevent cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in targeting synaptic proteins for neuroprotection, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dore, Kim Bohemie — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Dore, Kim Bohemie
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.