Investigating how the SORLA gene may protect against Alzheimer's disease-related tau damage
Official title: Novel Neuroprotective Roles for the Alzheimer's Disease Risk Gene SORLA in Tau Pathology and Pathogenesis
Funded at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · NIH-10991339 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gene called SORLA might help protect the brain from damage caused by Alzheimer's disease, using specially modified mice to see if boosting SORLA levels can reduce harmful changes in the brain, which could lead to new treatments for people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $777,415 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG085498-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991339 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with genetic predispositions related to the SORLA gene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Alzheimer's disease who do not have any genetic variants associated with the SORLA gene may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of the SORLA gene in Alzheimer's disease, particularly its potential to protect against tau-related damage in the brain. By using genetically modified mice, the study examines how increasing SORLA levels can reduce harmful tau phosphorylation and associated brain changes. The research employs advanced techniques such as proteomic analysis and histological examination to assess the effects of SORLA on synaptic function and inflammation in the brain. Patients may benefit from insights gained about SORLA's protective mechanisms, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that protect against the progression of Alzheimer's disease by targeting tau pathology.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neuroprotective roles of genes like SORLA, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Timothy Yikai — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
- Study coordinator: Huang, Timothy Yikai
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.