Finding new treatments for Alzheimer's disease by targeting a specific protein
Official title: Discovery of apoE4 modulators for Alzheimer’s disease therapy
Funded at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville · NIH-11099765 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to help people with Alzheimer's by finding small compounds that can lower the harmful apoE4 protein in the brain, which could help prevent the buildup of harmful plaques and tangles associated with the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Jacksonville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jacksonville, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $416,439 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG078615-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099765 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who carry the APOE4 allele and are at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without the APOE4 allele or those who do not have Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Alzheimer's disease, particularly the role of the apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) protein, which is linked to increased risk for the disease. The team is developing a high-throughput screening method to identify small molecules that can modulate apoE4 levels and reduce its harmful effects on brain cells. By using advanced techniques, they aim to discover compounds that can prevent the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which are characteristic of Alzheimer's. Patients may benefit from new therapeutic options that could slow down or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve the treatment and management of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting apoE4 for Alzheimer's treatment, indicating that this approach could be a viable path forward.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
Jacksonville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Yonghe — Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
- Study coordinator: Li, Yonghe
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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.