Exploring how a cellular process affects TDP-43 in neurodegenerative diseases.
Official title: Investigating the Roles of the Deubiquitylation Pathway in TDP-43 Pathology in ALS/FTD
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11187363 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific process in our cells affects a protein called TDP-43, which is connected to diseases like ALS and frontotemporal dementia, to find new ways to help treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | June 7, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $460,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS143648-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11187363 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with ALS, frontotemporal dementia, or Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with TDP-43 pathology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not associated with TDP-43 pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the deubiquitylation pathway in the pathology of TDP-43, a protein linked to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and frontotemporal dementia. Using advanced techniques such as mouse models and CRISPR-edited human neurons, the study aims to understand how this pathway influences the localization and aggregation of TDP-43. By uncovering these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify potential new therapeutic targets for treating these challenging conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies for patients suffering from ALS, FTD, and related neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting the deubiquitylation pathway in TDP-43 pathology is relatively novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding neurodegenerative diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gao, Fen-Biao — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Gao, Fen-Biao
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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.