Synaptopathy and CYLD in Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
Official title: Synaptopathy and Pathogenesis in Frontotemporal Dementia: Role of CYLD
Funded at Upstate Medical University · NIH-11463227 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new NIH-funded project will look at how CYLD gene changes contribute to synapse problems in people with frontotemporal dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Upstate Medical University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $804,625 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AG082478-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11463227 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with or at risk for familial FTD/ALS linked to CYLD-related pathways and who may contribute samples or data.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without FTD/ALS or without CYLD-related involvement may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on frontotemporal dementia, a form of dementia that often begins before age 60 and affects personality, language, and memory. Researchers will study how CYLD mutations link to problems in synapses and brain circuits that drive disease progression. The work uses human-relevant biology and may involve patient samples or data to understand autophagy-related pathways in FTD/ALS. Findings could guide development of therapies targeting synaptic dysfunction and autophagy processes in patients. The study is conducted at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, under the leadership of Wei-Dong Yao.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could pave the way for new treatments that slow or modify symptoms in people with FTD/ALS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked autophagy and synaptopathy to FTD/ALS, but CYLD-specific mechanisms are still being clarified; this study addresses a novel genetic angle.
Where this research is happening
-
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yao, Wei-Dong — Upstate Medical University
- Study coordinator: Yao, Wei-Dong
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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.