Creating a mouse model to study Alzheimer's disease in people with Down syndrome
Official title: Develop and Validate a Mouse Model for Alzheimer Disease in Down Syndrome
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10973514 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a special type of mouse that mimics how Alzheimer's disease affects people with Down syndrome, so researchers can learn more about the disease and find better ways to treat it, which could help patients in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,698,323 |
| NIH project number | 1R61NS138830-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973514 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Down syndrome, particularly those over the age of 65 who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Down syndrome or those who are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a new mouse model that accurately represents Alzheimer's disease as it occurs in individuals with Down syndrome. By genetically modifying a specific mouse strain to include features of human genetics, the researchers will replicate key pathological characteristics of Alzheimer's, such as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. This model will help scientists better understand the mechanisms of Alzheimer's in Down syndrome and test potential treatments. Patients may benefit from advancements in understanding and managing Alzheimer's disease through insights gained from this model.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for Alzheimer's disease in individuals with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using mouse models to study Alzheimer's disease, but this specific approach for Down syndrome is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mobley, William C — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Mobley, William C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Immune and NGF factors in Alzheimer’s for adults with Down syndrome
This grant studies why people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease by looking at immune signals and nerve growth factor problems.
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Immune system and NGF problems in Alzheimer's among adults with Down syndrome
This project studies why people with Down syndrome may develop Alzheimer’s disease by looking at immune signals and nerve growth factor imbalances.
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Immune changes and nerve growth factor problems linked to Alzheimer’s in adults with Down syndrome
Researchers are looking at how immune system changes and problems with nerve growth factor relate to Alzheimer’s in adults with Down syndrome.
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Immune changes and nerve growth factor problems linked to Alzheimer’s in people with Down syndrome
This project looks at how immune system changes and problems with a brain protein called nerve growth factor relate to early Alzheimer’s in adults with Down syndrome.
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Investigating how immune system changes and nerve growth factor issues contribute to Alzheimer's in people with Down syndrome
This study is looking at how Alzheimer's disease develops in people with Down syndrome to find new ways to spot it early and improve treatment, and it will involve tracking changes in thinking and memory over time.
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Exploring how Down syndrome affects optic nerve health in kids
A study using a mouse model to understand why optic nerve problems are common in children with Down syndrome and how to prevent them.
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.