Targeting α1-adrenergic Receptors to Understand Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
Official title: Structural and Mechanistic Bases for Ligand Specificity of α1-Adrenergic Receptors
Funded at State University of Ny,binghamton · NIH-11388619 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how specific α1-adrenergic receptor subtypes work in Alzheimer’s-related brain changes, aiming to find selective ligands that could guide future treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of Ny,binghamton NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Binghamton, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $424,345 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM160269-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11388619 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with Alzheimer’s disease, Alzheimer’s syndrome, or related dementias may indirectly benefit as future therapies emerge from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient participation in this grant is not described; the work is largely preclinical and discovery-focused.
What this research studies
This project uses advanced cryo-EM imaging along with biochemical and cellular tests to map how each α1-AR subtype (α1A, α1B, α1D) binds different molecules. By identifying what makes ligands selective for each subtype, researchers hope to clarify the role these receptors play in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The long-term aim is to develop highly selective compounds that could lead to targeted therapies with fewer side effects. The work could pave the way for novel treatments that modulate receptor activity in a subtype-specific manner.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could enable the development of more precise treatments for Alzheimer’s-related conditions by targeting the right receptor subtype.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that structural insights can guide ligand design, but subtype-selective ligands for α1B and α1D are not yet available, making this approach relatively novel in this context.
Where this research is happening
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State University of Ny,binghamton
Binghamton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Su, Minfei — State University of Ny,binghamton
- Study coordinator: Su, Minfei
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.