Improving a brain-targeted drug that blocks CK2 for Alzheimer's
Optimization of a potent and cell active CK2 chemical probe for Alzheimer's disease therapy
Developing improved molecules that block a brain enzyme called CK2 to help slow or stop Alzheimer's disease in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11197597 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project optimizes a chemical probe that inhibits CK2, a protein kinase important for neuron function and linked to Alzheimer's pathology. Researchers use crystal structures, medicinal chemistry, and lab tests in human stem cell–derived neurons and microglia to make compounds that are potent, selective, and active in brain cells. Lead compounds are tested for safety in human cell models and for efficacy in Alzheimer's mouse models (3xTg-AD) to pick candidates for future drug development. The team's initial probe, SGC-CK2-1, shows strong target activity without obvious toxicity in human neuron models and guides further optimization.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal future trial participants would likely be older adults with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment due to AD.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's, those with very advanced dementia, or those with non‑AD causes of cognitive decline are unlikely to benefit from this early-stage work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce a new type of treatment that protects brain cells and slows Alzheimer's progression.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs targeting kinases have succeeded in other diseases like cancer, but selectively targeting CK2 for Alzheimer's is a novel approach with promising laboratory data yet unproven in humans.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Axtman, Alison Donnelly — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Axtman, Alison Donnelly
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.