Stress-triggered RNA–protein clumps and their role in ALS and FTD
Investigating Dysregulation of Stress-related Ribonucleoprotein Granules and Functions of Associated RNA-binding Proteins in ALS/FTD
Researchers are looking at how stress-related RNA–protein clumps and the proteins that bind RNA may damage nerve cells in people with ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237597 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I have ALS or FTD, this research looks into how cellular stress makes RNA and proteins form clumps inside nerve cells and how RNA-binding proteins contribute to that process. Scientists at Johns Hopkins will use biochemical tests, cell models, and animal models to see how these stress-related ribonucleoprotein granules form and disrupt protein and RNA balance. They will examine genetic links (for example C9ORF72) and manipulate specific RNA-binding proteins to identify steps that cause toxicity. The goal is to pinpoint molecular steps that could be targeted to prevent harmful clumps and protect neurons.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or frontotemporal dementia, especially those with known genetic links such as C9ORF72, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without ALS or FTD, or with unrelated neurological conditions, are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical research, and those in very advanced stages may not see immediate benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify molecular targets to stop or reduce harmful RNA–protein clumps, potentially leading to therapies that slow neuron loss in ALS/FTD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked RNA-binding proteins and stress granules to ALS/FTD, but turning those findings into effective treatments remains early and experimental.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Jiou — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Jiou
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.