TDP-43 and misplaced neuron messages in ALS
Mechanistic analysis of TDP-43-mediated RNA localization in neurons and its misregulation in ALS
Researchers will map how the protein TDP-43 causes RNA messages inside nerve cells to end up in the wrong places in people with ALS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168725 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses patient-derived or lab-grown nerve cells to see where RNA messages travel inside long nerve fibers, focusing on the TDP-43 protein linked to ALS. The team combines stem cell-based neuron models, live-cell microscopy, and subcellular transcriptomics to read which RNAs are present in different parts of the cell. They developed a new method to detect RNA misplacement across the whole transcriptome and will test how TDP-43 recognizes and moves these RNAs. The investigators aim to connect specific mislocalized RNAs to changes in neuron function that may drive ALS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with ALS who are willing to donate blood or skin samples for creation of stem-cell models or who want to be contacted about related clinical studies.
Not a fit: People without ALS or those seeking an immediate therapy are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to prevent or slow nerve-cell damage in ALS.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked TDP-43 to ALS and shown some RNA mislocalization, but using transcriptome-wide live-cell tracking of RNA localization is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taliaferro, Jefferson Matthew — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Taliaferro, Jefferson Matthew
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.