Investigating the role of PICALM in Alzheimer's disease and potential treatments

PICALM: Role in the pathogenesis and treatment of Alzheimer vascular blood-brain barrier clearance dysfunction, neuronal dysfunction, and amyloid-beta, tau and neurodegenerative disorders

NIH-funded research University of Southern California · NIH-10420229

This study is looking at how a protein called PICALM affects brain health in Alzheimer's disease, and it hopes to find new ways to boost PICALM to help clear harmful proteins and improve treatment options for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10420229 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how PICALM, a key factor in Alzheimer's disease, affects the brain's blood-brain barrier and neuronal function. By using specialized mouse models, the study aims to explore how PICALM influences the clearance of harmful proteins like amyloid-beta and tau, which are associated with Alzheimer's. The researchers will also investigate potential therapies that could enhance PICALM levels to improve brain health and combat neurodegeneration. Patients may benefit from insights gained into new treatment strategies targeting PICALM.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with late-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients with early-onset Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia unrelated to PICALM may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve brain function and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, 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.
Conditions Alzheimer's DiseaseAlzheimer diseaseAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's disease dementiaAlzheimers disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.