Exploring tacrolimus for Alzheimer's disease
Preclinical evaluation of tacrolimus in a canine model of Alzheimer's disease
This project is looking into whether a treatment called tacrolimus could help prevent or slow Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11297279 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are exploring a new way to prevent or slow Alzheimer's disease by targeting a specific mechanism in the brain called calcineurin. When calcineurin is too active, it seems to contribute to problems seen in Alzheimer's, like memory loss and brain changes. We are testing two treatments, including an FDA-approved drug called tacrolimus, to see if they can reduce this activity. This work uses a canine model that naturally develops changes similar to human aging and Alzheimer's, helping us understand if these treatments could work for people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Future patients with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk of developing it could potentially benefit from this type of treatment.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options will not directly benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new ways to prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease in humans.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in rodent models have shown promising anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, and an epidemiological study suggested a reduced incidence of dementia in human transplant patients taking tacrolimus.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Head, Elizabeth — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Head, Elizabeth
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.