Understanding how different prion variations spread between species
Official title: Contributions of prion strains and substrains to prion zoonotic potential and evolution
Funded at Creighton University · NIH-11116921 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work helps us understand how different types of prions, which are infectious proteins, change and spread from animals to humans, especially focusing on diseases like Chronic Wasting Disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Creighton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $544,279 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS133050-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11116921 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational laboratory research does not directly involve patient participation, but future patients at risk of prion diseases could benefit from its findings.
✕Less likely to help
Current patients with prion diseases will not receive direct treatment or benefit from this basic science research.
What this research studies
Prions are unique infectious agents made only of protein that can change and adapt quickly in new environments. We are exploring how different forms of prions, called strains and substrains, contribute to their ability to jump from one species to another. Our goal is to uncover the specific ways these prion variations drive transmission, which could help us prevent their spread. This foundational knowledge is key to developing strategies against these challenging diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent the spread and evolution of prion diseases, protecting both animal and human health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work by this team and others has shown that prions can adapt and change, supporting the idea that different substrains might exist and contribute to disease evolution.
Where this research is happening
-
Creighton University
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bartz, Jason C — Creighton University
- Study coordinator: Bartz, Jason C
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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.