Neuronal cell 'clean-up' machinery (autophagy core complexes)
The autophagy core complexes in neuronal quality control
This work looks at how neurons' natural garbage-disposal system and the lipid-making complexes that control it operate in diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251800 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use high-resolution structural imaging (cryo-EM), computer modeling, and biochemical reconstitution to map the protein complexes that produce the lipid PI(3)P, which helps drive neuronal autophagy. They will perform functional assays and live-cell imaging in i3Neurons (lab-grown human neurons) to see how changing PI(3)P levels affects the cells' ability to clear damaged material. The team will identify positive and negative regulators of these complexes and link structural findings to cellular behavior. Findings aim to explain why neuronal autophagy differs from other tissues and how that difference affects age-related neurodegeneration.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with Alzheimer's disease, ALS, frontotemporal degeneration, or their caregivers and family members interested in future trials or biospecimen donation may find this research relevant.
Not a fit: Individuals with medical conditions unrelated to neurodegeneration are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets for therapies that boost neurons' ability to clear toxic proteins and slow progression of Alzheimer's, ALS, and related disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical lab and animal studies have shown that enhancing autophagy can reduce protein buildup, but translating these mechanisms into proven human therapies remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hurley, James H — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Hurley, James H
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.