Understanding how a specific protein affects brain cell health in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases
Molecular Mechanisms of Tubulin Polymerization Promoting Protein in Mitochondrial Function and Neuronal Survival
This research explores how a particular protein impacts brain cell energy and survival, aiming to find new ways to help people with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11115816 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and related dementias are challenging conditions with no effective treatments, affecting millions globally. This project focuses on a family of human genes called Tubulin Polymerization Promoting Proteins (TPPP), which have been linked to these diseases, particularly Lewy Body Dementia. We are using a special fruit fly model that shows similar problems to Parkinson's, like movement difficulties and brain cell damage, to understand how TPPP works. Our findings show that TPPP is present in the energy-producing parts of brain cells (mitochondria) in both flies and human brain samples. By figuring out how TPPP affects these mitochondria, we hope to uncover new strategies for treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients at this stage, but future clinical trials stemming from this work would likely target adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients not diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or related dementias would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that protect brain cells and improve symptoms for people living with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
How similar studies have performed: This specific investigation into TPPP's role in mitochondrial function in neurodegenerative diseases is novel, building upon previous implications of TPPP in these conditions.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Banerjee, Swati — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Banerjee, Swati
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.