Boosting a protein to protect brain cells in Alzheimer's disease

Increasing synaptic PSD-95, a neuroprotection approach against Alzheimer's disease

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-11080306

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 new drug that might boost this protein to keep your brain healthier for longer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11080306 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of PSD-95, a protein crucial for maintaining synaptic health, in the context of Alzheimer's disease. It aims to understand how increasing levels of PSD-95 can protect brain cells from damage caused by amyloid beta, a peptide linked to Alzheimer's. The researchers will explore a novel drug that inhibits the enzyme responsible for removing PSD-95 from synapses, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from insights into how enhancing PSD-95 could slow down or prevent synaptic loss associated with Alzheimer's.

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 treatments that protect brain function and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in enhancing synaptic health through similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel investigation.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.