How DELE1 activates a cell stress response linked to Alzheimer's
Structure-function studies of DELE1-mediated activation of the integrated stress response
Researchers are looking at how the DELE1 protein triggers a stress response in brain cells that may contribute to Alzheimer’s, to find ways to protect neurons.
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-11330519 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks inside cells to learn how the protein DELE1 tells a stress-sensing kinase (HRI) to turn on the Integrated Stress Response in neurons. Scientists will use high-resolution structural techniques and cellular experiments in lab-grown cells and model systems to map DELE1’s shape and its interactions with other proteins. By pinpointing the exact steps that activate this stress pathway, the team aims to identify molecular targets that could help protect brain cells in Alzheimer’s and other age-related disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The grant itself is basic and does not appear to enroll patients, but its findings would most directly apply to older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment related to proteostasis dysfunction.
Not a fit: People without neurodegenerative diseases or whose cognitive problems are solely due to non-proteostasis causes (for example, purely vascular dementia) are less likely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to reduce harmful stress signaling in neurons and eventually lead to treatments that slow or prevent Alzheimer’s-related cell damage.
How similar studies have performed: DELE1’s role in signaling mitochondrial stress was only recently identified, and while targeting the Integrated Stress Response has shown promise in lab and animal models, translating these findings into effective Alzheimer’s treatments remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Scripps Research Institute, the — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wiseman, Rockland Luke — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Wiseman, Rockland Luke
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.