Drug Discovery

Targeted Discovery of LR11/SorLA-Based Alzheimer Therapeutics

Investigator(s): James J. Lah, MD, PhD

Institution(s): Emory University

Duration:

Summary:

In previous studies, the investigator discovered a link between a receptor called LR11 and Alzheimer's disease. Levels of LR11 protein were found to be dramatically reduced in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Studies suggested that changes in LR11 may occur very early in the disease process. LR11 may play an important role in regulating the levels of amyloid-beta protein, which is the primary hallmark feature of Alzheimer's disease. The data emerging from the study of LR11 suggest that it represents an important new therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease. This research program will develop assays to identify small molecule compounds that are capable of interacting with the LR11 receptor.