How the DYRK1A protein controls nerve cell connections
Role of DYRK1A/MNB in synaptic growth and function
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · NIH-11226407
This project looks at how a protein called DYRK1A helps brain cells form and maintain connections, which is linked to Alzheimer’s and other brain conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11226407 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research uses fruit flies to model how the DYRK1A protein (called MNB in flies) influences synapse growth and communication. Scientists combine proximity labeling and phosphoprotein profiling to find proteins that DYRK1A modifies in neurons. They will test how those pathways affect selective autophagy (cellular cleanup at synapses) and neuropeptide release (chemical signaling). Results will help explain how changes in phosphorylation can contribute to Alzheimer’s, autism, and other brain disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is a lab-based project that does not enroll patients, but its findings are most relevant to people affected by Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome, autism, or related neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions.
Not a fit: People without neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative conditions, or those seeking immediate clinical treatments, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic-science work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new molecular targets to protect or restore synapses in Alzheimer’s and related conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked DYRK1A to neurodevelopmental and Alzheimer-related problems and fly work has shown effects on synaptic vesicle recycling, but the specific substrates and pathways targeted here are being newly explored.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Los Angeles, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHANG, KAREN T — UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- Study coordinator: CHANG, KAREN T
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease