Investigating how a specific protein affects brain cell health in Alzheimer's and related dementias
Official title: Effects of TDP-43 Proteinopathy on Retrotransposon Activation and Cell-Type Specific Vulnerability in a Mammalian Model of Alzheimer's and Related Dementias
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11230655 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called TDP-43 might cause problems in brain cells that could lead to Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, and it aims to find out if changing the levels of this protein can help us understand and possibly treat these conditions better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $73,312 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AG079898-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11230655 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, particularly those with familial histories of these conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia not related to TDP-43 proteinopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of TDP-43 protein and its impact on retrotransposon activation in the context of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Using a mammalian model, the study aims to understand how TDP-43 toxicity can lead to neurodegeneration by activating retrotransposons in neurons and glial cells. The researchers will employ advanced techniques to manipulate TDP-43 levels in specific cell types to observe the resulting effects on cell health and communication. This approach may reveal new insights into the mechanisms of dementia and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of TDP-43 in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
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State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sher, Roger B — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Sher, Roger B
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.