Exploring a new biomarker for Alzheimer's in individuals with Down Syndrome
Official title: Investigate the utility of APLP1 as an endosomal biomarker for Alzheimer's Disease in Down Syndrome
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10727134 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called APLP1 to see if it can help us understand early signs of Alzheimer's disease in people with Down Syndrome, with the hope that it will lead to better treatments in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $452,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG083593-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10727134 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Down Syndrome who are at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Down Syndrome or those who do not have a risk of Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of APLP1 as a potential biomarker for Alzheimer's disease specifically in individuals with Down Syndrome. It aims to identify and validate new biomarkers that reflect endosomal dysfunction, which is an early indicator of Alzheimer's pathology. By focusing on the cellular biology of Alzheimer's rather than just the traditional markers like amyloid plaques, this research could lead to more effective therapeutic interventions. The study involves proteomic screening and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid from mouse models to identify relevant biomarkers that could also be applicable to human patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and more targeted treatments for Alzheimer's disease in individuals with Down Syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, but this specific approach focusing on endosomal dysfunction in Down Syndrome is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alves Simoes Spassov, Sabrina — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Alves Simoes Spassov, Sabrina
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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DS-ARC: Smartphone-based cognitive check for people with Down syndrome at risk for Alzheimer’s
A smartphone-based cognitive test is being developed and tested for people with Down syndrome who may develop Alzheimer’s disease, to track changes quietly in daily life.
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Remote monitoring of Alzheimer’s changes in adults with Down syndrome
A study tests remote (at-home) ways to track Alzheimer’s-related thinking changes in adults with Down syndrome.
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How sleep and body temperature affect Alzheimer's risk in adults with Down syndrome
Researchers will follow adults with Down syndrome over several years to learn whether sleep problems and lower body temperature are linked to earlier Alzheimer's changes.
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DS-ARC: A smartphone-based cognitive test for Down syndrome–associated Alzheimer’s disease
A smartphone-based cognitive test will be developed and tested to help detect early signs of dementia in adults with Down syndrome.
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DS-ARC: A smartphone-based cognitive test for Down syndrome-associated Alzheimer's disease
A new smartphone app will measure day-to-day thinking changes in adults with Down syndrome who may develop Alzheimer’s disease, helping catch early signs in a convenient, real-world way.
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DS-ARC: A Remote Digital Cognitive Test for Down Syndrome-Related Alzheimer’s Disease
A smartphone-based cognitive test is being developed to help people with Down syndrome who are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease understand and track early brain changes.
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.