Improving understanding of naturally occurring prion diseases

Maximizing research success in studies of naturally-occurring prion diseases

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11377023

This project works to learn how prion diseases spread and change—with a focus on chronic wasting disease in deer—to help protect animals and lower risks for people.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCOLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (FORT COLLINS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11377023 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

I would be part of a long-term research effort that studies how prion diseases move between animals and species and how they evolve over time. The team uses lab methods including genetically modified animals, cell-based tests, biochemistry, and molecular genetics to trace how prions behave. A major focus is chronic wasting disease in deer and related animals, and whether it could pose a risk to humans. The goal is to turn laboratory findings into better ways to prevent future prion outbreaks and protect public health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People most likely to be involved are those affected by or at risk for prion diseases, family members of patients with human prion disease, hunters or others with high exposure to cervids, or those willing to donate samples for research.

Not a fit: Patients with unrelated neurological disorders or common infectious diseases are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this prion-focused basic research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reduce the chance of prion outbreaks and lower the risk that animal prion diseases spread to people, improving prevention and public-health response.

How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and animal studies have advanced fundamental prion biology, but questions about chronic wasting disease's spread and zoonotic risk remain unresolved, so this work builds on established methods while tackling novel problems.

Where this research is happening

FORT COLLINS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Chronic Wasting Disease, Disease, Disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.