Investigating the role of protein balance and inflammation in frontotemporal dementia
Official title: Proteostasis, Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration in Frontotemporal Dementia
Funded at J. David Gladstone Institutes · NIH-11130812 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with proteins and inflammation might lead to brain cell damage in people with frontotemporal dementia, especially those with a specific genetic change, to find new ways to help protect their brain cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | J. David Gladstone Institutes NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $630,496 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG088324-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11130812 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, particularly those with GRN haploinsufficiency.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia not related to GRN haploinsufficiency may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how disruptions in protein balance and inflammation contribute to neurodegeneration in frontotemporal dementia (FTD), particularly in individuals with GRN haploinsufficiency. The study utilizes advanced techniques to analyze neurons and microglia derived from patients' induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to uncover the mechanisms behind toxic protein accumulation and neuronal damage. By examining the interactions between healthy and diseased cells, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to restore normal cellular function and protect neurons from degeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent the progression of frontotemporal dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neurodegeneration through similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
J. David Gladstone Institutes
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Finkbeiner, Steven M — J. David Gladstone Institutes
- Study coordinator: Finkbeiner, Steven M
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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.