TDP43 breakdown in ALS: how brain cells use lysosomes to clear trouble
Official title: TDP43 Degradation by the Lysosomal Proteases in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11362153 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant supports a clinician-scientist at UCSF as they study how the protein TDP-43 is removed by lysosomal enzymes to protect nerve cells in ALS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $224,370 |
| NIH project number | 5K08NS121519-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11362153 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or those at risk due to family history may benefit indirectly from advances in understanding ALS mechanisms and potential future therapies.
✕Less likely to help
The grant itself does not involve patient participation or direct treatment, so immediate benefits to any individual patient are not expected during the funded period.
What this research studies
A clinician-scientist at UCSF will receive mentored training to uncover how lysosomes break down TDP-43 and how this process affects motor neuron survival in ALS. The work focuses on basic cellular mechanisms in neurons with the goal of guiding new therapies to prevent neuron death and preserve function. Through hands-on research and mentoring, the researcher will develop skills to translate cellular findings into potential ALS treatments that could slow or halt disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could illuminate new targets to protect motor neurons and guide therapeutic strategies for ALS patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has connected TDP-43 pathology and lysosomal pathways in ALS, but detailed mechanisms remain incompletely understood, making this an important next step.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sampognaro, Paul Joseph — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Sampognaro, Paul Joseph
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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.