Understanding how DJ-1 targets could point to new drugs for TSC-related brain disorders
Official title: Evaluating dendritic DJ-1 targets as a framework for identifying pharmacotherapies for TSC-related neurological disorders
Funded at North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ · NIH-11369377 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how certain brain proteins linked to mTOR signaling may reveal new ways to treat epilepsy, autism, and anxiety in people with TSC.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greensboro, United States) |
| Project start | May 20, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $42,103 |
| NIH project number | 3R16NS134542-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11369377 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with TSC who experience epilepsy, autism spectrum symptoms, or anxiety may benefit from future therapies arising from this work.
✕Less likely to help
This specific preclinical study may not directly benefit patients immediately; translation to treatments will require further development.
What this research studies
This project uses a TSC model to explore how overactive mTOR affects synaptic proteins that control brain cell communication, with the goal of identifying pharmacological targets. By examining DJ-1 related pathways and their influence on protein levels at synapses, the work aims to uncover mechanisms that connect epilepsy, autism, and anxiety. The study will look for receptor and protein changes that could be modulated by future drugs to reduce comorbid symptoms. Results could guide the development of therapies tailored to the neural network dysfunction seen in TSC-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could point to new pharmacological targets to reduce seizures, autistic-like behaviors, and anxiety in people with TSC.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests mTOR-related synaptic changes are linked to these disorders, supporting the potential of targeting these pathways in future therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ
Greensboro, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Niere, Farr — North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ
- Study coordinator: Niere, Farr
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.