Developing a new treatment approach for Alzheimer's disease using a specific chemical probe.
Official title: Optimization of a potent and cell active CK2 chemical probe for Alzheimer's disease therapy
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11178816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to treat Alzheimer's disease by testing a special chemical that targets a protein in the brain, with the hope of slowing down the disease and helping brain cells stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $833,173 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG084730-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11178816 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 65 and older who are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Alzheimer's disease (AD), a leading cause of dementia in older adults, and aims to discover new treatment options that target the underlying causes of the disease rather than just alleviating symptoms. The team is investigating a chemical probe known as SGC-CK2-1, which targets a protein called casein kinase 2 (CK2) that plays a crucial role in brain function. By exploring how this probe interacts with CK2, the researchers hope to halt the progression of AD and improve neuronal health. The study involves testing the effectiveness and safety of this probe in various models, including human-derived neurons.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel treatment that slows or stops the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting protein kinases for neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Axtman, Alison Donnelly — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Axtman, Alison Donnelly
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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.