Finding new ways to activate a brain protein that may help treat Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Towards the discovery of Nurr1-RXR modulators
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-10750409 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to help people with Alzheimer's and other brain disorders by finding small substances that can boost a protein called Nurr1, which is important for brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $432,418 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG084157-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10750409 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurodegenerative conditions or those not diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on a protein called Nurr1, which plays a crucial role in brain development and function. The team aims to discover small molecules that can activate Nurr1, potentially leading to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. By developing specific assays, they will measure how these molecules affect Nurr1's activity and its interaction with another protein, RXR. This approach could help in understanding how to better manage conditions associated with aging and neurodegeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic options for patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways for neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kojetin, Douglas — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Kojetin, Douglas
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.