Investigating how a protein affects waste clearance in brain cells
Official title: WIPI2B/ATG-18 phosphorylation regulates neuronal autophagosome biogenesis in vivo
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10827175 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called WIPI2B helps clean up waste in brain cells, which is important for preventing problems like Alzheimer's as we get older, and it hopes to find new ways to treat these age-related brain issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 8, 2025 |
| Project end | January 7, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $36,960 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AG086033-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10827175 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly those related to Alzheimer's.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not related to aging or Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific protein, WIPI2B, influences the process of autophagy, which is crucial for clearing waste in neurons. As we age, the efficiency of this waste clearance decreases, contributing to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The study will explore the role of WIPI2B's phosphorylation state in regulating autophagy in neurons, using a model organism to simulate Alzheimer's disease. By uncovering these mechanisms, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets for treating age-related neurodegenerative disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance waste clearance in brain cells, potentially slowing or preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing autophagy in neurons, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsong, Heather — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Tsong, Heather
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Administrative and Engagement Core to support Cancer Control efforts
This grant funds a team that helps coordinate, communicate, and engage with communities to advance cancer control efforts.
-
Administrative and Engagement Core for Cancer Control
A core team will coordinate administration, communications, and community engagement to support cancer control efforts across several Texas institutions.
-
Understanding how neural crest cells shape the bones of the skull
A researcher will study how signals control the skull’s sutures, with potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of conditions like craniosynostosis.
-
Alzheimer’s disease and related brain changes linked to chemicals in the body
This NIH grant supports a patient-centered effort to map how environmental exposures and body chemistry relate to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
-
Understanding how everyday exposures affect Alzheimer's disease progression
A national research effort is studying how environmental exposures, gut health, diet, and metabolism relate to Alzheimer's and related dementias to identify new ways to diagnose and treat these conditions.
-
How environment, gut health, and metabolism affect Alzheimer’s disease
This grant looks at how environmental exposures, gut microbes, diet, and metabolism influence Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
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.