Investigating small molecules to prevent tau aggregation in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Small molecule inhibitors of CAPON-induced tau aggregation
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10979242 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new tiny drugs that could help stop a protein called CAPON from making tau clump together, which is a big problem in Alzheimer's disease, with the hope of finding better treatments to protect brain health and improve thinking skills for people living with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,980,378 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG084635-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979242 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 exhibiting early signs of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to tau aggregation or those without Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing small molecule inhibitors that target CAPON, a protein involved in tau aggregation, which is a key factor in Alzheimer's disease. By understanding how CAPON interacts with tau and neuronal nitric oxide synthase, the researchers aim to create therapies that can reduce neurodegeneration and improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients. The approach involves testing these small molecules in models of Alzheimer's disease to evaluate their effectiveness in preventing tau-related damage. If successful, this could lead to new treatment options for those affected by Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new therapeutic options that slow down or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting tau pathology in Alzheimer's, but this specific approach using CAPON is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gabr, Moustafa — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Gabr, Moustafa
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.