Investigating how a specific protein affects Alzheimer's disease through immune cells in the brain

Elucidating a microgliaassociated role for SORLA in modulating AD pathogenesis

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · SANFORD BURNHAM PREBYS MEDICAL DISCOVERY INSTITUTE · NIH-10455261

This study is looking at how changes in a protein called SORLA in brain immune cells might play a role in Alzheimer's disease, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding more about how this condition develops and what might help in the future.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSANFORD BURNHAM PREBYS MEDICAL DISCOVERY INSTITUTE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10455261 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of the SORLA protein in microglia, which are immune cells in the brain, and how mutations in this protein may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. Using advanced techniques like CRISPR/Cas9, researchers will create human microglia-like cells with specific mutations linked to Alzheimer's. By comparing these cells to normal ones, they aim to uncover how these mutations affect the cells' ability to manage amyloid-beta, a harmful protein associated with Alzheimer's. This could lead to new insights into the disease's mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic mutations linked to Alzheimer's disease or those at high risk for developing the condition.

Not a fit: Patients without a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease or those who do not exhibit symptoms of cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting microglial dysfunction.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of microglia in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer disease, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's disease dementia, Alzheimers disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.