Finding a new way to protect brain cells in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Identification of the Neuroprotective STX Receptor in the Brain
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10747420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new treatment called STX that could help protect brain cells in people with Alzheimer's disease without the side effects of traditional estrogen therapies, aiming to improve brain health and function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $192,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG080057-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10747420 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, particularly postmenopausal women who may have lost neuroprotective effects from estrogen.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage Alzheimer's or those not diagnosed with the disease may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel compound called STX that targets a specific receptor in the brain to provide neuroprotection for patients with Alzheimer's disease. Unlike traditional estrogen therapies, STX does not activate classical estrogen receptors, which helps avoid negative side effects. The study aims to understand how STX can improve brain cell function and protect against damage caused by amyloid proteins, which are harmful in Alzheimer's. Patients may benefit from this approach through improved treatment options that enhance brain health and function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment that protects brain cells and improves cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been many studies targeting amyloid plaques, this approach using STX is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelly, Martin Jeffrey — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Kelly, Martin Jeffrey
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.