Mitochondrial protein PSAP’s role in ALS: protecting motor neurons by controlling cell death and cleaning up damaged parts
Official title: Novel role of mitochondrial carrier protein PSAP in regulation of both apoptosis and autophagy in ALS
Funded at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso · NIH-11332014 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how a mitochondrial protein called PSAP may protect nerve cells in ALS by balancing cell death and cellular cleanup, with experiments in animal models to see if boosting PSAP helps motor function and survival.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (El Paso, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS134931-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332014 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with ALS, particularly those with pathways involving mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis/autophagy dysregulation, could benefit from future translation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without ALS or with forms of ALS not linked to PSAP-related pathways may not benefit.
What this research studies
ALS damages motor neurons through broken cell maintenance processes like apoptosis and autophagy. The research uses a mouse model of ALS (SOD1G93A) to see what happens when PSAP is removed, and how this affects neuron survival and motor function. It aims to uncover how PSAP interacts with pathways like caspase-3 and autophagy markers to influence disease progression. Findings could reveal new targets to slow neuron loss and extend life in ALS. The work is preclinical but focused on mechanisms directly relevant to human ALS pathology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify PSAP-related targets to slow neurodegeneration and improve motor function in ALS.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies in mouse models have suggested that manipulating PSAP can modulate apoptosis and autophagy and improve outcomes, supporting further exploration.
Where this research is happening
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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso
El Paso, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Xuemin — Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso
- Study coordinator: Xu, Xuemin
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.