Investigating environmental factors linked to neurodegenerative diseases
Official title: Environmental risk factors linked to TDP-43 proteinopathies
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11166313 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $734,642 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG087877-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11166313 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not associated with TDP-43 pathology may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cohen, Todd Jonathan — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Cohen, Todd Jonathan
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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.