TDP-43 mislocalization and modifications in neurodegenerative diseases
Official title: Investigating the role of TDP-43 mislocalization, structure, and post-translational modifications in the neuropathologically heterogeneous TDP-43 proteinopathies
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11500606 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will study how TDP-43 protein changes and clumps relate to different brain diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS to better understand why symptoms vary.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | April 16, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $120,341 |
| NIH project number | 3R01NS137469-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11500606 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or at risk for FTLD-TDP, LATE-NC, Alzheimer's disease dementia, ALS, or related TDP-43 proteinopathies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without TDP-43–related pathology or without access to specialized brain research samples may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how TDP-43 protein mislocalizes, changes shape, and undergoes post-translational modifications in patients with neurodegenerative conditions. Using advanced tissue analysis, imaging, and molecular techniques, the team will map different TDP-43 structures to disease subtypes and clinical features. By integrating neuropathology, genetics, and cryo-electron microscopy, they aim to link specific TDP-43 forms with regional brain damage and disease progression. The findings could reveal markers that help classify patients and guide future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of TDP-43–driven diseases could lead to more precise diagnoses and inform development of targeted treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that different TDP-43 structures and PTMs relate to disease subtypes, supporting potential for new biomarkers and therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Newell, Kathy L — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Newell, Kathy L
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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.