Investigating a new protein target for treating Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Novel Kinase Target in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10808473 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called HUNK to see if it can help clear out harmful proteins in the brains of people with Alzheimer's, with the hope of finding new ways to ease symptoms and boost thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $433,218 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS130261-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10808473 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those showing early signs of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, which currently lacks effective treatments. The team aims to explore a specific protein kinase, HUNK, that may promote autophagy, a process that helps clear harmful proteins in the brain. By studying how HUNK functions in the context of Alzheimer's, the researchers hope to identify new therapeutic strategies that could alleviate symptoms and improve cognitive function. The approach involves analyzing human brain samples and mouse models to understand the role of HUNK in disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on HUNK in Alzheimer's is novel, previous research has shown promise in targeting autophagy to alleviate symptoms in other models of neurodegenerative diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yeh, Elizabeth S — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Yeh, Elizabeth S
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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.