Protecting Brain Cells from Damage in Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Mechanistic basis for endoplasmic reticulum-driven cytoprotection by selective autophagy in neurons
This research aims to understand how brain cells naturally protect themselves from damage, which could lead to new ways to treat conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11097254 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many age-related brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, happen when proteins in our brain cells fold incorrectly and build up, causing damage. Our cells have a natural 'cleanup' process called autophagy that removes these harmful proteins and damaged cell parts. This project focuses on understanding how specific cleanup mechanisms work in brain cells, especially how they use specialized proteins to target and remove harmful substances. By learning more about these protective processes, we hope to find new strategies to keep brain cells healthy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: While this is fundamental laboratory research, the findings are relevant to individuals living with or at risk for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by neurodegenerative diseases or conditions related to cellular protein misfolding and stress response may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could uncover new targets for developing therapies to prevent or treat neurodegenerative diseases by enhancing the brain's natural protective mechanisms.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have successfully identified mechanisms of selective autophagy, and this work builds upon that knowledge to explore specific, less understood aspects in neurons.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ordureau, Alban — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Ordureau, Alban
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.