Understanding and blocking harmful amyloid protein clumps
Protein Amyloid Formation and Inhibition Studied by Mass Spectrometry
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST · NIH-11143637
Researchers are using high-powered mass spectrometry to see how human proteins like β2-microglobulin begin to form damaging amyloid clumps and to find molecules that can stop that clumping in conditions such as dialysis-related amyloidosis and Alzheimer’s-related diseases.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HADLEY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11143637 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will develop new mass spectrometry methods to capture the very first structural changes when the human protein β2-microglobulin starts to stick together. They will map how small assemblies (oligomers) form and change before long amyloid fibrils appear. That mechanistic information will be used to screen for and design molecules that block or slow fibril formation. Most work is done in the lab on protein samples and models to guide future therapeutic development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with dialysis-related amyloidosis or patients on long-term hemodialysis who develop β2-microglobulin–related joint amyloid are the most relevant group who could benefit or be involved in future related trials.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to amyloid proteins or driven by different disease mechanisms are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to drugs or treatments that prevent or slow amyloid buildup in dialysis-related amyloidosis and inform therapies for other amyloid diseases like Alzheimer’s.
How similar studies have performed: Related mass spectrometry work has revealed early amyloid steps for some proteins, but applying these insights to discover robust inhibitors for β2-microglobulin is still relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
HADLEY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST — HADLEY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VACHET, RICHARD W — UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST
- Study coordinator: VACHET, RICHARD W
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.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus, Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease