Investigating brain network changes in neurodegenerative diseases linked to TDP-43
Official title: Understanding dynamics of brain network in TDP-43 related neurodegeneration
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10980494 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called TDP-43, which doesn't end up where it should in the brain, might play a role in diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS, and it's using special imaging techniques in mice to find new ways to understand how brain activity changes over time, which could help in finding new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $238,968 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG085492-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980494 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not related to TDP-43 mislocalization may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the mislocalization of TDP-43 protein contributes to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS. By using advanced calcium imaging techniques in TDP-43 knockout mouse models, the study aims to develop new methods for analyzing the dynamic changes in brain networks over time. The researchers will create a Bayesian computational system to better model these changes, which could lead to insights into disease progression and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients with neurodegenerative diseases associated with TDP-43.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques to study brain networks, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Rong — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Chen, Rong
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Resilient HIV Implementation for LGBTQ Youth in Africa and Beyond
A program to help young people ages 15–24 who are at risk for or living with HIV, especially sexual and gender minority youths, access better HIV prevention and care through real-world health practice improvements.
-
Algorithms to find HLA-E neoantigens for cancer immunotherapy
Aims to develop computer methods to discover tumor-specific targets presented by HLA-E to guide new T cell therapies for cancer.
-
NPRL2 loss and focal cortical dysplasia in epilepsy
This grant investigates how losing NPRL2 in the brain contributes to focal cortical dysplasia and epilepsy in children.
-
New way to make head and neck cancer treatments work better
A research project at the University of Maryland Baltimore aims to improve treatment for advanced head and neck cancer, with a focus on making cisplatin and newer therapies work better while reducing kidney side effects.
-
Genetics and function of inherited brain disorders that affect thinking and behavior
Scientists are studying how genes and cellular helpers shape brain development and why certain kids have intellectual disabilities and adaptive-behavior challenges.
-
Finding broadly protective antibodies against Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever
Researchers will study blood from people who survived CCHF to find human antibodies that protect against multiple virus variants, with early tests in animal models to check their breadth.
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.