Stopping a protein (SARM1) that may damage nerve endings in Alzheimer’s
Understanding the degeneration of axon and nerve terminals in Alzheimer's disease and related dementia brain
['FUNDING_R01'] · MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN · NIH-11257734
This project will test whether blocking a protein called SARM1 can protect nerve endings and memory in Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11257734 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying SARM1, a protein that can break down an important molecule in nerve endings, to see if it drives the early loss of synapses in Alzheimer’s. They will use new mouse models that mimic Alzheimer’s, remove or block the SARM1 gene, run memory and behavior tests in the mice, and analyze brain tissue using biochemical methods. Early lab data show that removing SARM1 helped preserve synapses and memory in mice, and the team wants to understand exactly how SARM1 causes axon and synapse breakdown. If the mechanisms are clear, the findings could point to drugs that target SARM1 to slow or prevent early nerve loss in people with Alzheimer’s.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients; its results could eventually benefit people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment as candidates for future SARM1-targeting therapies.
Not a fit: People with non‑Alzheimer’s dementias or very advanced Alzheimer’s are unlikely to see direct benefits from this preclinical research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that slow synapse loss and help preserve memory in people with Alzheimer’s.
How similar studies have performed: Removing or blocking SARM1 has protected axons in other nerve-injury and neurodegeneration models, but applying SARM1-targeting strategies to Alzheimer’s is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES
- MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN — MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LOU, XUELIN — MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
- Study coordinator: LOU, XUELIN
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.