Mapping a synapse gene network in Alzheimer's and testing drugs that target it
Network Medicine for Alzheimers Disease: Functional Dissection and Pharmacologic Perturbation of a Human Brain Synaptic Regulatory Expression Signature
['FUNDING_R01'] · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11297557
Researchers are looking at whether a group of synapse-related genes in the human brain can be changed by drugs to help people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11297557 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project starts with gene activity data from about 2,000 donated human brains to find groups of genes linked to Alzheimer's. The team screened hundreds of those genes in fruit fly models of amyloid and tau damage to find which ones modify neuronal dysfunction, and then focused on a 167-gene synaptic regulatory network tied to glutamate signaling. Because one hub gene, GRIN2B, is targeted by the approved drug memantine, researchers will test how drugs and other perturbations affect this network in lab models. The aim is to identify drug actions that protect synapses and could be moved toward treatments for people with Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment, and individuals willing to participate in brain donation programs, are the most relevant participants for related clinical follow-ups or sample contributions.
Not a fit: People whose memory problems stem from non-Alzheimer causes or who lack the specific synaptic gene changes studied may not receive direct benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to drug strategies that protect synapses and slow cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Large human brain gene studies and animal screens have identified promising targets (and memantine already acts on a related hub), but translating network discoveries into effective human treatments is still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHULMAN, JOSHUA M — BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: SHULMAN, JOSHUA M
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 below.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease