Understanding how DNAJ proteins affect muscle diseases
Official title: Elucidating the Role of DNAJ Proteins in Muscle Disease
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11081795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins called DNAJ help fix other proteins that are not shaped right, which can cause muscle diseases, and it hopes to find new ways to treat these conditions that currently have no cure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $98,168 |
| NIH project number | 5K99AR084062-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081795 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with muscle diseases related to chaperonopathies, particularly those with mutations in DNAJ proteins.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with muscle diseases not linked to protein misfolding or those without genetic mutations in DNAJ proteins may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of DNAJ proteins in muscle diseases caused by misfolded proteins, known as chaperonopathies. It aims to understand how these proteins interact with and help fold other proteins correctly, which is crucial for muscle health. The study will utilize advanced techniques such as proteomics and small animal imaging to explore the specific client proteins of DNAJ proteins and their impact on muscle function. By identifying the mechanisms behind muscle degeneration, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic targets for these currently untreatable conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for muscle diseases caused by protein misfolding.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on DNAJ proteins in muscle diseases is relatively novel, similar research on protein misfolding has shown promise in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Inoue, Michio — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Inoue, Michio
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using MRI to measure brain oxygen levels as an early sign of small vessel disease in the brain
This study is looking at how measuring oxygen levels in the brain with MRI can help spot early signs of small vessel disease, which is linked to memory problems and dementia, especially Alzheimer's, so if you're at risk due to age or high blood pressure, you might be able to participate in MRI scans to learn more about
-
Advanced Methods & Modeling for Better Patient Care
A funding opportunity focused on developing new modeling methods to improve health care for patients through better data use and analytics.
-
Advanced methods and modeling for health research at Washington University
A health research grant at Washington University funds new modeling methods to support future patient-focused studies.
-
Center for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology, Surveillance and Pathogenesis
A NIH program will study and monitor emerging viruses from the Midwest U.S. and three Asian sites to understand how they spread and affect people.
-
How Poverty and the Environment Affect Heart Disease in Haiti and Beyond
This grant studies how poverty-related factors like food insecurity, stress, and pollution contribute to heart disease and aims to follow a large group of adults to better understand and prevent the disease.
-
Wearable tech to track blood loss during childbirth
A wearable device monitors cardiovascular signals to detect postpartum hemorrhage early so clinicians can act quickly to protect mothers.
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.