Creating synthetic versions of TDP-43 filaments linked to frontotemporal dementia
Official title: Synthetic replicas of TDP-43 filaments associated with frontotemporal dementia
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11142330 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called TDP-43 that builds up in the brains of people with frontotemporal dementia and other similar conditions, and the researchers want to create lab-made versions of this protein to better understand how it behaves, which could help in finding new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $442,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG094047-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11142330 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or other neurodegenerative diseases associated with TDP-43 aggregation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not associated with TDP-43 aggregation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the accumulation of TDP-43 protein aggregates in the brain, which is a key feature of frontotemporal dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers aim to develop synthetic replicas of these aggregates to study their structure and behavior. By using advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, they will verify the similarity of these synthetic filaments to those found in patients' brains. This work could lead to new insights into the mechanisms of TDP-43 aggregation and pave the way for potential drug development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that inhibit the harmful aggregation of TDP-43, potentially improving outcomes for patients with frontotemporal dementia and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Surewicz, Witold K — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Surewicz, Witold K
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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.