Nose-delivered VGF peptides to protect memory in Alzheimer's
Intranasal delivery of VGF-derived peptides in a preclinical model of Alzheimer's disease
Developing nose-delivered VGF peptides that could one day help people with Alzheimer's disease keep memory and reduce damaging brain changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285348 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project works on a noninvasive nose-to-brain delivery method for VGF-derived neuropeptides that have shown promise in Alzheimer's models. Scientists will give peptides such as TLQP-21 and TLQP-62 to an established mouse model (5xFAD) to test whether intranasal dosing lowers amyloid plaques, brain inflammation, and memory problems. They will measure how well the peptides reach the brain, optimize dosing, and study action through receptors and neurotrophic pathways (C3aR1 and BDNF/TrkB). Positive results would support moving the approach toward safety testing and eventual human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: In future clinical trials, ideal candidates would likely be people with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment caused by Alzheimer's pathology.
Not a fit: People with advanced late-stage Alzheimer's or dementia from non‑Alzheimer causes are less likely to benefit from this early-stage, disease-specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a noninvasive peptide therapy that slows Alzheimer’s-related brain damage and memory decline.
How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical work showed that VGF overexpression or direct brain infusion of TLQP-21/TLQP-62 reduced plaques and improved cognition in mouse models, but intranasal delivery and human testing remain untested.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salton, Stephen R — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Salton, Stephen R
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.