Targeting a new protein complex to improve recovery from traumatic brain injury
Official title: The epichaperome: A novel therapeutic target for traumatic brain injury
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11063141 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special group of proteins, called the epichaperome, impacts recovery in people who have had traumatic brain injuries, with the hope of finding new ways to help improve their thinking and memory.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $198,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS133447-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063141 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries or are suffering from cognitive impairments associated with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cognitive impairments not related to traumatic brain injury or Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a specific protein complex, known as the epichaperome, affects cognitive recovery in individuals who have suffered traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The study focuses on understanding how heat shock proteins, which help maintain cellular health during stress, become dysfunctional in TBI and related conditions like Alzheimer's disease. By exploring the biochemical changes that occur in these proteins, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets that could enhance recovery and cognitive function in affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve cognitive recovery for patients with traumatic brain injuries and related neurodegenerative conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting heat shock proteins for therapeutic purposes, indicating that this approach may lead to meaningful advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dixon, C Edward — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Dixon, C Edward
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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.