Cutting-Edge Enabling Programs (con’t.)
Enabling Program 3. Small Molecule Discovery
A major part of translating basic research into Alzheimer’s treatments is the discovery of small molecule compounds that can inhibit deleterious mechanisms occurring during degeneration and that can provide a basis for novel drug development. Dr. James Chen in the Department of Chemical and Systems Biology is the executive director of the Stanford High-Throughput Bioscience Center, which is dedicated to discovery of novel targets and small molecules. Dr. Longo’s research team has pioneered the use of computer-based virtual screening of small molecules to make the first discovery of potent drug-like small molecules that can mimic the potent effects of key brain proteins capable of preventing neurodegenerative mechanisms occurring in AD. Dr. Vijay Pande’s group in the Department of Chemistry in the School of Humanities and Sciences has pioneered the development of a powerful computational strategy, known as distributed computing, to decipher the structure of proteins involved in AD, knowledge that is fundamental to drug development. The Center will promote the continued development of Stanford’s critical small molecule capabilities and focus small molecule efforts on Alzheimer’s therapeutics.
Enabling Program 4. Stem Cells
The Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at Stanford is among the leading stem cell programs in the world. This Institute will likely continue to capture much of the funding made available from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). The Center will serve as a focal point that will allow the potential for stem cell-based therapies to be fully evaluated in the context of AD. In addition, the ability to convert human stem cells to human neurons will make it possible to test new therapies on human neurons, a critical advance beyond the current practice of using mouse neurons.
Enabling Program 5. Advanced Detection and Monitoring of AD
Developing effective therapies for AD will require methods that allow detection and monitoring of AD with a degree of accuracy not available with current technology. Lead by Dr. Gary Glover in the Department of Radiology, the Lucas Center at Stanford is an international pioneer in advanced human brain imaging. Dr. Michael Greicius in the Department of Neurology and Dr. Vinod Menon in the Department of Psychiatry have established the Functional Imaging in Neuropsychiatric Disorders (FIND) Laboratory that acquires human brain images at the Lucas Center and develops new image analysis techniques that allow improved detection of brain changes in early AD. In parallel with brain imaging, the application of chip technology to the analysis of blood samples is showing promise as an additional strategy for detection of AD. The application of chip technology for analysis of biological samples was pioneered at Stanford. Dr. Wyss-Coray has preliminary evidence that this approach can distinguish normal elderly individuals from those with early AD. The Center will allow the expansion of these novel diagnostic strategies. These new technologies will be absolutely critical for the efficient testing of new therapies in human trials.