Understanding how a protein helps prevent neurodegeneration
Official title: Unraveling the role of the molecular co-chaperone DNAJC7 in protein homeostasis and neurodegeneration
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10984366 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called DNAJC7 helps keep other proteins from misfolding, which can cause brain diseases like Alzheimer's and Huntington's, to see if understanding this can lead to new treatments for these conditions.
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 | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $195,570 |
| NIH project number | 1K08NS133300-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984366 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Huntington's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative conditions not related to protein misfolding may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called DNAJC7 in preventing the misfolding of other proteins that can lead to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease. By using advanced techniques such as CRISPR, the researchers aim to understand how DNAJC7 functions in neurons and its potential to inhibit the aggregation of harmful proteins. The study will explore how changes in DNAJC7 expression affect disease symptoms in models of neurodegeneration, providing insights into new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting protein misfolding in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramani, Biswarathan — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Ramani, Biswarathan
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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.