Molecule-focused study on soluble TREM2 in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Molecular pathobiology of soluble TREM2 in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · NIH-11463281 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand how soluble TREM2 in the brain and spinal fluid may influence Alzheimer's disease in people with the condition or at risk for it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2017 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $880,491 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AG056130-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11463281 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with Alzheimer's disease or preclinical risk may ultimately benefit from findings that inform future therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage disease or individuals without Alzheimer’s-related pathology may not directly benefit from this basic mechanistic work.
What this research studies
This project looks at how a brain protein fragment, soluble TREM2, interacts with hallmark Alzheimer's changes like amyloid and tau. Researchers will use animal models and molecular techniques to see how sTREM2 affects microglia and amyloid clearance. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could be targeted to slow or modify disease progression in people with Alzheimer's disease or related cognitive conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Knowing how sTREM2 functions could lead to new strategies to reduce amyloid buildup and slow neurodegeneration in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests TREM2-related pathways influence amyloid clearance and microglial activity, supporting potential relevance to therapy.
Where this research is happening
-
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Timothy Yikai — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
- Study coordinator: Huang, Timothy Yikai
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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.