Retrovirus-like genetic elements and TDP‑43 in Alzheimer's and related dementias
Feedback amplification between Retrotransposons/endogenous retroviruses and TDP-43 in Alzheimers related dementias
Researchers are looking at whether virus-like pieces of our DNA and the protein TDP‑43 help Alzheimer's and related dementias spread through the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126666 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This is a lab project aimed at understanding how a protein called TDP‑43 and mobile genetic elements (retrotransposons/endogenous retroviruses) might amplify and spread damage between brain cells. The team will use fruit fly models and mammalian cells grown in the lab to recreate and track these interactions. By following how these elements become active and move between cells, scientists hope to find steps in the process that could be blocked. This work is preclinical and does not enroll patients directly.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: There is no patient enrollment for this lab-based project, so no patients would be eligible to participate.
Not a fit: Patients looking for immediate new treatments or direct involvement should not expect to benefit directly from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new biological targets to slow or stop progression of Alzheimer's and related dementias.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory studies have linked TDP‑43 and mobile genetic elements in ALS and frontotemporal dementia, but applying this mechanism to Alzheimer's-related dementias is a newer direction.
Where this research is happening
Stony Brook, United States
- State University New York Stony Brook — Stony Brook, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dubnau, Joshua T — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Dubnau, Joshua T
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.