Investigating a protein's role in neuron health and its link to motor neuron diseases.
Official title: Functional role of Sec20, a BH3 and Secretory (Sec) domain protein, in neurons and its relevance to a motor neuron disease in Drosophila
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11126452 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called Sec20 in fruit flies to see how its loss affects nerve cells and could be linked to motor neuron diseases like ALS and FTD, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,310,312 |
| NIH project number | 7RF1NS131315-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11126452 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of ALS or FTD, particularly those with the C9orf72 mutation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of neurodegenerative diseases not related to ALS or FTD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of a protein called Sec20 in neurons and its connection to motor neuron diseases, specifically focusing on the genetic mutation associated with ALS and FTD. Using fruit flies as a model, the study examines how the loss of Sec20 function leads to neuronal loss and mitochondrial dysfunction, which are critical factors in neurodegenerative diseases. The research aims to understand the molecular mechanisms involved and how they relate to the genetic mutations found in humans, potentially paving the way for new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatments for patients suffering from ALS and FTD.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bhat, Krishna Moorthi — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Bhat, Krishna Moorthi
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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.