Investigating how to enhance the function of a specific brain receptor linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Official title: alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor allosteric modulation and native structure
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10836355 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special part of the brain that helps with communication and is important for people with Alzheimer's disease, to see if we can find new ways to make it work better and improve treatment options for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $35,177 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DA059092-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10836355 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related cognitive disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of dementia not related to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, which plays a crucial role in signaling within the nervous system and is linked to conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The project aims to understand how this receptor can be modulated to improve its function, particularly through the use of positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). By studying the binding sites and structural mechanisms of these modulators, the research seeks to pave the way for new therapeutic strategies that could enhance receptor activity while preserving natural signaling processes. This could lead to better treatment options for patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting nicotinic receptors for therapeutic purposes, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burke, Sean Michael — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Burke, Sean Michael
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.