Boosting cells' recycling system to help people with Alzheimer's
Modulation of autophagic flux as a therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · NIH-11314583
Trying small drugs that improve cells' recycling (autophagy) to protect brain cells in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11314583 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We are developing small-molecule drugs that turn on a cell recycling process called autophagy, which is often broken in Alzheimer’s. The team will optimize promising compounds and study how they work in lab-grown neurons and in an animal model that mimics Alzheimer’s. They focus on compounds that work without targeting the common mTOR pathway, and will pin down the drug targets and mechanisms. The goal is to create a lead compound that could move toward future human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with Alzheimer's disease—especially those in early or mild-to-moderate stages—would be the most likely candidates for future trials based on this research.
Not a fit: Those with very advanced dementia, rapidly progressing non-amyloid forms of dementia, or major medical problems are less likely to benefit from these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to medicines that clear toxic proteins, protect neurons, and slow or stop Alzheimer's progression.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies suggest boosting autophagy can reduce Alzheimer’s-related protein build-up, but human benefit remains unproven and mTOR-independent small molecules are a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO — Chicago, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GOWRISHANKAR, SWETHA — UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: GOWRISHANKAR, SWETHA
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.