Investigating how variations in a protein affect Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome.
Official title: Effect of APP copy number variants in Alzheimer's disease and and Down Syndrome on Reelin expression and function
Funded at Reelin Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-10895540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Reelin affects brain health in people with Alzheimer's and Down syndrome, and it will test whether certain antibodies can help reduce inflammation and improve brain function in a mouse model of Down syndrome, with the hope of finding new treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Reelin Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $238,549 |
| NIH project number | 5R43AG084450-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10895540 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or Down syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or neurological disorders unrelated to Alzheimer's disease or Down syndrome may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a protein called Reelin in the context of Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome. It aims to explore how changes in the number of copies of the APP gene influence Reelin expression and function, which is linked to inflammation and brain damage. The researchers will use a mouse model of Down syndrome to test the effects of anti-Reelin antibodies, which may help reduce inflammation and improve brain health. By identifying effective antibodies, the study seeks to pave the way for new therapeutic options for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce inflammation and improve outcomes for patients with Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting inflammatory pathways in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
Reelin Therapeutics, INC.
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kounnas, Maria Z — Reelin Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Kounnas, Maria Z
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
Remote monitoring of Alzheimer’s changes in adults with Down syndrome
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How sleep and body temperature affect Alzheimer's risk in adults with Down syndrome
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DS-ARC: A smartphone-based cognitive test for Down syndrome–associated Alzheimer’s disease
A smartphone-based cognitive test will be developed and tested to help detect early signs of dementia in adults with Down syndrome.
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DS-ARC: A smartphone-based cognitive test for Down syndrome-associated Alzheimer's disease
A new smartphone app will measure day-to-day thinking changes in adults with Down syndrome who may develop Alzheimer’s disease, helping catch early signs in a convenient, real-world way.
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DS-ARC: A Remote Digital Cognitive Test for Down Syndrome-Related Alzheimer’s Disease
A smartphone-based cognitive test is being developed to help people with Down syndrome who are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease understand and track early brain changes.
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.