Understanding how androgen receptors contribute to spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy
Determining the role of AR transcriptional function in SBMA
This study is looking into how certain proteins in the body affect spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), a condition that causes muscle weakness, and aims to find new ways to help treat it by understanding how these proteins can cause damage to nerve cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10687111 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of androgen receptors in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), a neuromuscular disease linked to protein misfolding. By using cell and mouse models, the study aims to uncover how the aggregation of these receptors leads to neuronal damage. The researchers will explore various mechanisms, including the effects of acetylation and phosphorylation, to identify potential therapeutic targets. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for SBMA and related neurodegenerative diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy or related neurodegenerative conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not related to androgen receptor dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy and potentially other neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of polyglutamine diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Thomas Jefferson University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merry, Diane E — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Merry, Diane E
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.