Genetically encoded inhibitors to study retrotransposon roles in brain development
Official title: Developing Genetically Encoded Intrabodies to Define Retrotransposon Function in Synaptic Development
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11441150 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses specially designed intrabodies to block individual enzymes of retrotransposons in neurons, starting with Copia in fruit flies, to understand how these elements influence brain development and aging.
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 | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $452,783 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG103989-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11441150 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This project is preclinical and not patient-enrolling; future translation could involve individuals affected by neurodegenerative conditions.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient benefit during the current preclinical phase.
What this research studies
This project develops intrabodies that specifically block parts of retrotransposon enzymes inside living cells, allowing researchers to separate the different activities these elements perform in neurons. Using the Copia element in Drosophila as a test case, the team will create and test intrabodies that inhibit distinct enzymatic domains, then observe resulting effects on synaptic development. If successful, this technology provides a general tool to study how retrotransposons influence aging and neurodegeneration, potentially translating to human brain health research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from accelerated understanding of factors contributing to neurodegeneration and aging, informing future therapies or diagnostics.
How similar studies have gone: Prior attempts to dissect retrotransposon functions have been limited; this intrabody approach represents a novel method with potential for breakthrough insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomson, Travis — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Thomson, Travis
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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.