TDP-43 protein changes in Alzheimer’s, frontotemporal dementia, and ALS
Investigating the role of TDP-43 mislocalization, structure, and post-translational modifications in the neuropathologically heterogeneous TDP-43 proteinopathies
This project looks at how different shapes and chemical changes of the TDP-43 protein may relate to memory, behavior, and movement problems in people with Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, or ALS.
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 ID | NIH-11321167 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine brain tissue and related samples from people with Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, LATE, and ALS to see where and how TDP-43 protein is misplaced and altered. The team will use detailed tissue staining, digital spatial mapping, genetic testing, and high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy to view TDP-43 structures and chemical tags. They will compare different neuropathologic subtypes to find patterns of protein structure, post-translational modifications, and seeding behavior that might explain regional brain damage and symptom differences. Results across patient samples will be linked back to clinical features to identify consistent signatures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia (FTLD-TDP), LATE, or ALS, or their families willing to donate brain tissue, clinical data, or biospecimens.
Not a fit: People without neurodegenerative disease or whose condition is caused by non–TDP-43 pathology are unlikely to get direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal biological markers and targets that help diagnose TDP-43–related disease earlier and guide development of future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown TDP-43 aggregates in ALS and some dementias, but combining high-resolution structural imaging with broad molecular mapping of TDP-43 changes across disease types is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Newell, Kathy L — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Newell, Kathy L
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.