Investigating the role of progranulin and prosaposin in lipid biology related to neurodegenerative diseases.
Progranulin Prosaposin and Lipid Biology in FTD
This study is looking at how changes in a specific gene related to protein and fat processing might play a role in brain diseases like frontotemporal lobar degeneration and Alzheimer's, helping us understand what happens in the brain as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10694497 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how mutations in the progranulin gene affect protein and lipid metabolism, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases like frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and Alzheimer's disease. The study examines the interactions between progranulin, its cleavage products, and prosaposin, as well as their impact on lysosomal function and sphingolipid metabolism. By exploring these biological processes, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to neurodegeneration and how aging influences these pathways.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with genetic mutations related to progranulin and those experiencing symptoms of frontotemporal lobar degeneration or Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients without genetic mutations affecting progranulin or those not diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the biological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, potentially paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of lysosomal dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kao, Aimee — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Kao, Aimee
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 below.