Finding ways to treat prion diseases by improving how neurons break down proteins.
Restoring neuronal degradative capacity as a therapeutic strategy to treat Prion Disease
This study is looking at prion diseases, which are rare brain conditions caused by bad proteins, to find out how these proteins affect nerve cells and to see if boosting the body's cleanup process can help develop new treatments that might slow down or prevent these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11040904 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on prion diseases, which are rare neurodegenerative conditions caused by misfolded proteins that accumulate in the brain. The study aims to understand how these misfolded proteins affect neuronal function, particularly in axons, and explores the potential of activating autophagy, a cellular process that helps break down and remove these harmful aggregates. By targeting the mechanisms that lead to the accumulation of toxic proteins, the research seeks to develop new therapeutic strategies to restore neuronal health and function. Patients may benefit from novel treatments that could slow down or prevent the progression of these debilitating diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with prion diseases or Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of neurodegenerative diseases that do not involve prion proteins may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve the quality of life for patients with prion diseases and related neurodegenerative conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting autophagy to reduce protein aggregates in neurodegenerative models, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Scripps Research Institute, the — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Encalada, Sandra E — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Encalada, Sandra E
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.