Finding new treatments for Alzheimer's disease by targeting STEP proteins
Official title: Fragment-Based Discovery of STEP Modulators in Alzheimer's Disease Administrative Supplement
Funded at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · NIH-11194608 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease and aims to find new ways to help improve thinking and behavior in people with the condition by testing new compounds in mice.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $111,976 |
| NIH project number | 3RF1AG087011-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11194608 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related neurodegenerative disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurodegenerative conditions or those without cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on a protein called STriatal-Enriched tyrosine Phosphatase (STEP), which is found in neurons and is believed to play a role in Alzheimer's disease. The project aims to discover new compounds that can modulate STEP activity, potentially reversing cognitive and behavioral deficits associated with Alzheimer's. By using mouse models of Alzheimer's and other related disorders, the researchers will test the effectiveness of these new STEP modulators. Patients may benefit from this research if successful treatments are developed that improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve cognitive function and quality of life for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting STEP for cognitive improvement in animal models, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tautz, Lutz — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
- Study coordinator: Tautz, Lutz
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.