Understanding how a zinc protein helps maintain brain health
Official title: Maintenance of brain homeostasis by an ancient zinc metallochaperone
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11079666 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called ZNG1 helps keep zinc levels balanced in the brain, which is important for brain health, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with neurological disorders caused by low zinc.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $123,617 |
| NIH project number | 5K99GM151477-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079666 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing neurological issues potentially linked to zinc deficiency.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological disorders not related to zinc deficiency may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific zinc-binding protein, known as ZNG1, in maintaining zinc levels in the brain, which is crucial for various cellular functions. The study aims to understand how zinc deficiency can lead to neurological disorders and how ZNG1 helps deliver zinc to essential proteins in the brain. By exploring the mechanisms of zinc homeostasis, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic targets for conditions related to zinc deficiency. Patients may benefit from insights gained about zinc's role in brain health and the development of new treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for neurological disorders associated with zinc deficiency.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of zinc in brain health, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murdoch, Caitlin Cynthia — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Murdoch, Caitlin Cynthia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving healthcare for patients with inherited cancer syndromes using a web-based platform
This study is testing a new online tool called MeTree that helps people understand their risk for inherited cancer by combining their medical records and family health history, making it easier for patients and doctors to get the information they need for better care and support.
-
Stroke prevention with hydroxyurea for children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria
A multinational, patient-facing study tests whether hydroxyurea can safely prevent first strokes in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia.
-
Scaling Up Task-Shifted Epilepsy Care for Children in Africa
A study to help children with epilepsy in Africa get diagnosed and receive seizure care through trained community health workers.
-
Enhanced surveillance for new vaccine‑preventable diseases
A Vanderbilt team is tracking how well vaccines work and how diseases like flu, RSV, norovirus, and SARS‑CoV‑2 affect young children over time.
-
Generative AI to create private, fair health data for research
A researcher at Vanderbilt aims to use Generative AI to create synthetic health data that protects patient privacy while helping AI models be fairer and more accurate.
-
ConProject-003: A patient-facing initiative at Vanderbilt for advancing care
A Vanderbilt-led project (ConProject-003) is funded to drive improvements in care for people with a specific health condition through a dedicated program.
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.