Investigating harmful protein intrusion in nerve cells related to Multiple Sclerosis
Novel Pathways to Excitotoxicity in Multiple Sclerosis Caused by Inappropriate Intrusion of an Axonal Mitochondrial Anchor Syntaphilin into Dendrites
This study is looking at how a protein called Syntaphilin can cause problems in nerve cells by moving to the wrong part of the cell in people with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, and it hopes to find new ways to help treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10869940 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how a protein called Syntaphilin, which normally anchors mitochondria in nerve axons, mistakenly enters dendrites and causes damage in the context of Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The study uses a rodent model to understand the mechanisms behind this intrusion and its effects on nerve cell health. By addressing specific hypotheses, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to prevent this harmful process, which currently has no effective treatments. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatment strategies for the late phase of MS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, particularly those in the late phase of the disease.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage Multiple Sclerosis or those with other neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments for patients suffering from Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is based on novel findings, similar research has shown promise in understanding excitotoxicity in other neurological conditions.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chiu, Shing Yan — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Chiu, Shing Yan
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 below.