Targeting neurons to change gene expression using specialized antibodies

Neuron-specific modulation of gene expression using systemically administered bispecific antibody-ASO conjugates

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11127778

This study is exploring a new way to deliver special treatments directly to brain cells using a friendly antibody, making it easier and safer for people with neurological conditions to receive help without needing invasive procedures.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11127778 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new method to deliver anti-sense oligonucleotides (ASOs) directly to neurons in the brain through a specialized bispecific antibody. By using this approach, the researchers aim to overcome the limitations of traditional methods that require invasive procedures and have poor specificity. The goal is to enable the modulation of gene expression in neurons via a non-invasive intravenous administration, which could lead to better understanding and treatment of various neurological conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals with neurological conditions that could benefit from targeted gene modulation.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to neuronal gene expression or those who do not have access to the required treatment facilities may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and less invasive way to treat neurological disorders by precisely targeting gene expression in neurons.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of ASOs has been explored, this specific approach of using bispecific antibodies for targeted delivery to neurons is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.