Investigating how a specific gene alteration affects brain cell health in frontotemporal dementia.
Official title: New Targets in C9orf72 FTD: Exploring Histone H3 S10 Phosphorylation
Funded at Brooklyn College · NIH-10359300 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in a specific gene related to frontotemporal dementia affect brain cells, and it aims to find new ways to help treat this condition by exploring how certain proteins behave in both yeast and human brain cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brooklyn College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $471,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R15NS125394-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10359300 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, particularly those with genetic alterations in the C9orf72 gene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or neurodegenerative diseases unrelated to C9orf72 mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a severe neurodegenerative disease linked to genetic changes in the C9orf72 gene. The study aims to understand how these genetic alterations lead to harmful effects on brain cells by examining the role of histone modifications, specifically the phosphorylation of Histone H3 on Serine 10. By using both yeast models and human neuronal models, the researchers will explore the relationship between protein aggregation, gene expression changes, and cell death. This could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for FTD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that improve brain cell survival and function in patients with frontotemporal dementia.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of examining histone modifications in relation to C9orf72 is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding gene regulation in neurodegenerative diseases.
Where this research is happening
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Brooklyn College
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Torrente, Mariana Plazas — Brooklyn College
- Study coordinator: Torrente, Mariana Plazas
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.