How a brain enzyme controls production of Alzheimer’s toxic proteins
Molecular mechanisms of gamma-secretase modulation central to Alzheimer’s disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH · NIH-11232334
This work looks at how the enzyme γ-secretase changes the amounts and types of amyloid proteins that are linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11232334 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use new lab tools and biochemical and cellular techniques to study γ-secretase and how its activity is changed by the cell environment and external factors. They will characterize novel molecules and reagents that bind or modulate the enzyme to see how they alter production of harmful Aβ peptides. Most experiments will be done in the lab using purified proteins, cell-based systems, and molecular assays to map mechanisms at the atomic and cellular levels. The goal is to explain how selective modulation might reduce pathogenic amyloid while preserving normal enzyme functions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant funds laboratory research and does not appear to enroll patients directly, so there are no clinical eligibility criteria for participation.
Not a fit: People looking for immediate treatments are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this basic laboratory project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point toward safer drugs that lower the harmful amyloid proteins tied to Alzheimer’s without disrupting other important cellular processes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous efforts to target γ-secretase with broad inhibitors showed safety problems, so this more selective modulation approach is promising but remains early and unproven in patients.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LI, YUEMING — SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH
- Study coordinator: LI, YUEMING
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome