IDP sensors and memory molecules in environmental responses for neurodegenerative diseases
Official title: Intrinsically Disordered Proteins as Sensors and Memory Molecules in Environmental Response
Funded at Syracuse University · NIH-11425808 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A project explores how flexible proteins in cells sense and remember environmental changes, with potential relevance to conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Syracuse University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $373,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM165470-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11425808 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to a specific patient group at this stage; the work is basic science using plant models to understand protein behavior relevant to human diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefit is not expected from plant-based basic science alone.
What this research studies
Researchers will study intrinsically disordered proteins in the plant model Arabidopsis to understand how these proteins respond to environmental cues and form condensates. The work aims to connect how these dynamic proteins change shape and function in response to temperature and other signals. Findings could illuminate basic biology that may inform understanding of human diseases such as Alzheimer's in the long run.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could uncover new principles of cellular sensing and memory that might inspire therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows IDPs influence cellular responses; translating these principles to human disease is an emerging area with promising but early evidence.
Where this research is happening
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Syracuse University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meyer, Heather — Syracuse University
- Study coordinator: Meyer, Heather
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.