Understanding how certain proteins behave in the brain and their role in diseases.
Official title: The molecular determinants of surface-templated self-association of intrinsically disordered proteins
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10913534 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins that don't have a fixed shape behave and stick together on surfaces in our cells, especially those linked to brain diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, to help us understand their roles in both healthy and sick brains.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $415,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150716-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913534 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, who may benefit from advancements in understanding these conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute neurological injuries or those without neurodegenerative conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the behavior of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) that do not have a stable structure and how they self-associate on specific surfaces like microtubules and organelle membranes. By using advanced techniques, the study aims to recreate conditions in model systems to observe how these proteins interact and aggregate, which is crucial for understanding their functions in both healthy and diseased states. The focus is particularly on proteins related to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Tau and α-synuclein, which are known to play significant roles in conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, potentially paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the behavior of IDPs in neurobiology, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chung, Peter J — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Chung, Peter J
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.