How the mitochondrial protein PSAP affects nerve cell survival in ALS
Novel role of mitochondrial carrier protein PSAP in regulation of both apoptosis and autophagy in ALS
['FUNDING_R01'] · TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER AT EL PASO · NIH-11393391
This research looks at whether lowering a mitochondrial protein called PSAP can protect motor neurons and help people with ALS.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER AT EL PASO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (EL PASO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11393391 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are using an established ALS mouse model and cell experiments to see how PSAP controls both programmed cell death (apoptosis) and the cell's waste-removal system (autophagy). Preliminary work showed that removing PSAP in SOD1G93A mice improved movement and extended lifespan, and reduced markers of caspase-3 activation and p62-containing inclusions in spinal cord cells. The team will map how PSAP interacts with mitochondrial proteins such as VDAC1 and how those interactions change apoptosis and autophagy pathways using molecular, biochemical, and imaging methods. Findings are intended to point toward molecular steps that might be targeted to preserve motor neurons.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with ALS—especially those interested in therapies aimed at mitochondrial dysfunction or with SOD1-related disease—would be most relevant to the goals of this work.
Not a fit: People without ALS or whose disease is driven by unrelated mechanisms may not benefit from findings focused on PSAP-related pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify a new biological target that leads to treatments that slow motor neuron loss and preserve function in people with ALS.
How similar studies have performed: Approaches that reduce mitochondrial-driven apoptosis or boost autophagy have shown benefit in preclinical ALS models, but targeting PSAP specifically is a novel direction supported by encouraging mouse data.
Where this research is happening
EL PASO, UNITED STATES
- TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER AT EL PASO — EL PASO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: XU, XUEMIN — TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER AT EL PASO
- Study coordinator: XU, XUEMIN
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: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neuron Disease