Investigating protein behavior in brain models related to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Multilineage DAmFRET to investigate AD/ADRD protein phase behavior in neural tissue models
Funded at Stowers Institute for Medical Research · NIH-10768678 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called TDP-43 behaves in brain cells made from human stem cells, to help us understand more about Alzheimer's Disease and related conditions, with the hope of finding new ways to treat these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stowers Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $206,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG080434-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10768678 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, particularly those interested in contributing to advancements in understanding these conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific proteins, particularly TDP-43, behave in brain tissue models derived from human stem cells. By using a novel technique called Distributed Amphifluoric FRET (DAmFRET), the researchers aim to observe how these proteins transition between different states and how this affects interactions between various brain cell types. The goal is to develop a new tool that can help clarify the complex molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD). This could lead to better insights into the disease's progression and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for understanding and potentially treating Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using DAmFRET in this context is innovative, similar methodologies have shown promise in other areas of biomedical research, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
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Stowers Institute for Medical Research
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Halfmann, Randal Arthur — Stowers Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Halfmann, Randal Arthur
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.