Investigating how RNA-protein assemblies relate to neurological diseases.
Official title: Dynamic RNA-Protein Assemblies and Neurological Disease
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11131724 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny structures in our cells that help manage RNA and how changes in our genes might lead to diseases like ALS and frontotemporal dementia, with the goal of finding new ways to understand and potentially treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2033 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $897,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R35NS142868-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131724 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, or related neurodegenerative disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological conditions unrelated to RNA metabolism or biomolecular condensates may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of biomolecular condensates, specifically ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules, in RNA metabolism and their connection to neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. The team will explore how genetic mutations affect the condensation process, leading to these diseases. By identifying novel disease genes and studying the molecular and cellular consequences of mutations, the research aims to uncover the regulatory mechanisms that govern these biological processes. The project will span eight years, rigorously testing hypotheses and addressing critical questions about the physiological functions of these condensates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases affecting motor and sensory neurons.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of biomolecular condensates in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taylor, Joseph Paul — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Taylor, Joseph Paul
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.