How changes in the TBK1 gene affect nerve function and behavior
Official title: Behavioral and Molecular Alterations in Drosophila with Modulated IK2/TBK1 Gene Expressions
Funded at Texas A&m University-Kingsville · NIH-11310851 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at how changes in a gene linked to ALS affect nerve cells and behavior, using fruit flies to gain clues that could help people with ALS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University-Kingsville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kingsville, United States) |
| Project start | April 25, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $135,660 |
| NIH project number | 5R16NS140311-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11310851 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is most relevant to people living with ALS, especially those known to carry TBK1 mutations or who are interested in TBK1-related research.
✕Less likely to help
People without ALS or whose disease is caused by unrelated genes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-based fly research.
What this research studies
Researchers will change levels of the fly version of the TBK1 gene (called IK2) and introduce human TBK1—both normal and ALS-linked mutant versions—into fruit flies to see what happens to nerves and behavior. They will study neuron structure, cell-death pathways, and processes like autophagy using genetic, cellular, and molecular lab techniques. Fly behavior, survival, and nervous system function will be measured to connect specific gene changes to neurological problems. Results aim to reveal mechanisms by which TBK1 mutations lead to ALS-like features and point to targets for future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify how TBK1 mutations cause nerve damage in ALS and highlight molecular targets for new treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Fruit fly models have successfully uncovered mechanisms for other neurodegenerative diseases, but modeling TBK1-linked ALS is relatively new and still being developed.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University-Kingsville
Kingsville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: He, Fang — Texas A&m University-Kingsville
- Study coordinator: He, Fang
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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.