Investigating environmental factors linked to neurodegenerative diseases

Environmental risk factors linked to TDP-43 proteinopathies

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11166313

This study is looking at how certain environmental factors might play a role in the development of brain diseases like Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia, and it aims to find out which harmful substances could be involved to help create better treatments for those affected.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11166313 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores how environmental exposures may contribute to the development of TDP-43 proteinopathies, which are associated with various neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. By using advanced microscopy techniques, the team aims to identify specific toxicants that could influence TDP-43 dysfunction. The study will also examine the cellular pathways involved and seek to uncover new risk factors that could lead to better therapeutic strategies for affected individuals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 years old who are at risk for or diagnosed with neurodegenerative conditions linked to TDP-43 pathology.

Not a fit: Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not associated with TDP-43 pathology may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the identification of new environmental risk factors and therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in linking environmental factors to neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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.
Conditions age associated neurodegenerative diseaseage associated neurodegenerative disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.