Investigating how TDP-43 protein aggregates affect neuron function and toxicity
Official title: Determine the neurotoxicity of RNA metabolism dysfunction caused by cytoplasmic TDP-43 aggregates
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10931669 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how clumps of a protein called TDP-43 might mess with tiny structures in nerve cells that help them work properly, which could be important for understanding diseases like ALS and Alzheimer's, and it could help find new ways to treat these conditions.
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 | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $616,468 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS133517-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931669 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, related dementias, or ALS.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not associated with TDP-43 aggregates may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of TDP-43 protein aggregates in disrupting the function of P-bodies in neurons, which may lead to neurotoxicity. The study will utilize advanced imaging, proteomic, and sequencing techniques to analyze how these aggregates alter the composition and behavior of P-bodies in both neuron-like cells and postmortem spinal cord motor neurons from ALS patients. By examining these changes, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and ALS, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of examining TDP-43 aggregates in relation to P-body function is novel, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding neurodegenerative processes.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shahmoradian, Sarah H — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Shahmoradian, Sarah H
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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.