# On-Chip Assay for Identifying Candidate Microtubule Binding Drugs to Treat ADRDs

> **NIH NIH R43** · NEUROINDX INC. · 2024 · $514,862

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Microtubules (MTs) are structurally and functionally essential components of neurons, providing spatial
organization and ensuring intracellular trafficking. MTs are chemically and functionally heterogeneous structures
regulated by a complex molecular machinery that can modulate their composition, chemical modification, and
propensity for binding with specific MT-associated proteins (MAPs). Dysfunctions of MAPs are directly
associated with different forms of Alzheimer’s disease related disorders (ADRDs). This notion led to the
development of compounds restoring the correct functioning of MTs and, therefore, counteracting
neurodegeneration. However, currently this effort requires the use of methods that are costly, time consuming
and inefficient, as it requires the use of cell cultures and animal models. We propose to develop an on-chip
functional assay for identifying candidate MT-binding drugs to treat ADRDs. Our on-chip assay will replicate key
features of the neuronal MT microenvironment and will use in vitro generated MTs with kinesin based read out
system to measure the ability of potential drugs to stabilize and affect MT transport. We will validate the assay
using MT associated protein TAU and known MT stabilizing drugs. The Phase I funding will allow us to develop
a proof-of-concept on-chip assay that can be further developed in Phase II. The proposed chip will provide a
novel AD/ADRD cell-free in vitro model system that could be used in the translation process to perform high-
throughput screening for drug discovery and drug efficacy and functionally validate therapeutic target(s).

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10920056
- **Project number:** 1R43AG085842-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** NEUROINDX INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Stanislav Karsten
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $514,862
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-08-01 → 2025-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10920056

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10920056, On-Chip Assay for Identifying Candidate Microtubule Binding Drugs to Treat ADRDs (1R43AG085842-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10920056. Licensed CC0.

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