NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Exploring how certain proteins trigger inflammation in the brain

Official title: Uncovering the role of extracellular condensates as triggers of neuroinflammation

Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10910474 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain protein clumps in the brain might cause inflammation that worsens conditions like ALS and frontotemporal dementia, and it aims to understand how brain support cells react to these clumps, which could help find new ways to treat these diseases.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBaylor College of Medicine
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project startSeptember 20, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$1,440,000
NIH project number1DP2NS142714-01
Project IDNIH-10910474 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or frontotemporal dementia.

Less likely to help

Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not related to inflammation or those without a diagnosis may not receive benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of extracellular condensates, which are protein aggregates, in triggering neuroinflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The study aims to understand how glial cells, which are crucial for brain health, respond to these protein aggregates and contribute to disease progression. By examining the interactions between these proteins and the immune system, the research seeks to uncover new mechanisms of neuroinflammation that could lead to innovative treatment strategies. Patients may benefit from insights that could inform future therapies targeting neuroinflammatory processes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating neurodegenerative diseases by targeting neuroinflammation.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Baylor College of Medicine
    Houston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Boeynaems, Steven — Baylor College of Medicine
  • Study coordinator: Boeynaems, Steven

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.