Investigating how proteins misfold in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Official title: High sensitivity NMR for structure determination of neurodegenerative disease associated protein aggregates in native contexts
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11017060 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins change shape in diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by observing them in their natural settings, which could help us understand what causes these conditions and how they affect the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | January 26, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $369,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS134921-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017060 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not related to protein misfolding may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how proteins misfold in diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by examining their structures in natural environments. Using advanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy, particularly dynamic nuclear polarization, the study aims to capture the conformational changes of these proteins that occur in living cells. This approach allows researchers to analyze protein aggregates without needing to purify them, providing insights into how the cellular environment influences protein behavior. By identifying different structural forms of these proteins, the research hopes to uncover critical factors that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative diseases by targeting the misfolding of proteins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using solid-state NMR spectroscopy has shown promise in understanding protein structures, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frederick, Kendra King — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Frederick, Kendra King
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.