Enhancing proteasome function to treat neurodegenerative diseases
Official title: Development of N-acyl fluspirilene mediated proteasome enhancement for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11178909 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's by using special molecules that can boost a part of our cells that helps get rid of damaged proteins, with the hope of finding better treatments to slow down the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $52,081 |
| NIH project number | 7R36AG088233-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11178909 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly those experiencing symptoms related to protein accumulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases who do not have issues related to protein degradation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's by enhancing the function of the proteasome, a cellular structure responsible for degrading damaged proteins. The study focuses on a class of small molecules called N-acyl fluspirilene, which has shown promise in activating the proteasome to improve its ability to clear harmful protein accumulations. By understanding how these molecules work, the researchers aim to develop more effective treatments that could potentially slow or halt disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that significantly improve the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of enhancing proteasome function is relatively novel, preliminary studies have shown promise in similar strategies for treating neurodegenerative conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Colombani-Garay, Daniel Jose — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Colombani-Garay, Daniel Jose
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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.