Understanding how DNA damage leads to harmful protein accumulation in aging cells
Official title: DNA-damage-induced transcription errors provide a constant stream of amyloid and prion-like proteins in human cells
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11125777 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how mistakes made when our cells read DNA can lead to the buildup of harmful proteins linked to aging and brain diseases, and it aims to find out what these mistakes are so we can better understand and possibly treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $684,643 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG083065-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11125777 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cognitive decline or those at risk for age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases unrelated to aging or those who are not experiencing cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how errors during the transcription process in human cells can lead to the production of amyloid and prion-like proteins, which are associated with aging and neurodegenerative diseases. By analyzing a large database of transcription errors from human stem cells and neurons, the researchers aim to identify specific mistakes that contribute to these harmful proteins. They will employ advanced techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy and single-cell sequencing to explore the relationship between DNA damage and transcription errors. This study seeks to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind protein accumulation in aging, potentially leading to new insights into age-related diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating age-related neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding transcription errors and DNA damage can lead to significant advancements in the field of neurodegenerative disease, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vermulst, Marc — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Vermulst, Marc
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.