Finding new ways to lower Msh3 levels for treating Huntington's disease
Official title: High-throughput small molecule screen to reduce endogenous level of Msh3 for disease-modifying HD therapy
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11040927 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at Huntington's disease and how a protein called Msh3 affects its progression, using special mice to find small molecules that might lower Msh3 levels and help improve treatment options for people with the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | January 22, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $345,114 |
| NIH project number | 1R61NS140733-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11040927 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Huntington's disease, particularly those with specific genetic markers related to Msh3.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Huntington's disease or those with advanced stages of the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates Huntington's disease, a genetic neurodegenerative disorder, by focusing on the Msh3 protein, which has been linked to the disease's progression. The team will use a specialized mouse model to screen small molecules that can effectively reduce Msh3 levels, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies. The approach includes developing assays to measure Msh3 levels in both mouse and human cells, ensuring that the findings are relevant to human health. By targeting Msh3, the research aims to modify the disease's course and improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that slow down or modify the progression of Huntington's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting DNA repair genes for neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield significant results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Xiangdong William — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Yang, Xiangdong William
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.