Investigating how proteins behave in crowded cell environments
Official title: Probing Biomolecular Condensates in Live Cells using Microsecond-scale Single Molecule Rotational Diffusion Microscopy (µs-SiMRoD)
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-10986330 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how proteins behave inside living cells, especially when they're crowded together, to learn more about how these protein clusters can affect health, particularly in conditions like Alzheimer's and ALS, which could help patients understand their diseases better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $190,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS141768-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986330 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurological conditions not related to protein aggregation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the behavior of proteins within live cells, particularly focusing on how they interact and form structures in crowded environments. By using advanced microscopy techniques, the study aims to understand the formation of biomolecular condensates, which are clusters of proteins that can impact cell function and health. The research will examine how these condensates can lead to toxic aggregates, especially in the context of neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the underlying mechanisms of these diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating neurodegenerative diseases by targeting the harmful protein aggregates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding protein behavior in cellular environments, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Musser, Siegfried M — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Musser, Siegfried M
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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.