Different forms of the TDP-43 protein in age-related dementias
Biochemical and molecular heterogeneity of human TDP-43 proteinopathies in age-related dementias
Researchers are looking at how changes in a protein called TDP‑43 show up in people with Alzheimer’s and other age-related dementias to better understand memory and thinking problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11310784 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you take part, researchers will study brain tissue, medical records, and imaging from people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias to look for different biochemical and molecular patterns of TDP‑43. They compare people who have TDP‑43 changes with those who do not, and with other TDP‑43 disorders, to link specific protein patterns to symptoms and disease course. The team uses laboratory tests on tissue and molecular analyses to characterize how TDP‑43 differs across older adults. Their comparisons aim to clarify why some people develop Alzheimer-like symptoms when TDP‑43 is present.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be older adults with Alzheimer’s dementia or similar memory and thinking problems, especially those willing to share medical records, imaging, or donate tissue after death.
Not a fit: People without memory problems or whose condition is known to be caused by non‑neurodegenerative issues are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help doctors distinguish types of dementia and eventually guide more personalized diagnosis and care.
How similar studies have performed: Previous pathology and imaging studies have shown TDP‑43 changes are common in very old adults and linked to Alzheimer-like symptoms, but detailed biochemical comparisons remain relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Porta Antolinez, Silvia — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Porta Antolinez, Silvia
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 below.