Understanding how GDAP1 interacts with a toxic lipid related to nerve disorders
Official title: Structure of GDAP1 bound to a product of lipid peroxidation
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10788459 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called GDAP1, which is important for people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, helps cells deal with stress caused by harmful substances, and it hopes to find new ways to improve nerve health for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $72,072 |
| NIH project number | 5R03NS131848-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10788459 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, particularly those with mutations in the GDAP1 gene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease caused by mutations unrelated to GDAP1 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of GDAP1, a protein linked to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, in the cellular response to oxidative stress. By examining how GDAP1 interacts with 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE), a toxic lipid produced during oxidative stress, the research aims to uncover whether GDAP1 functions similarly to other protective enzymes or has a different role. The study employs various models of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease to analyze changes in cellular processes and mitochondrial function, which are critical for nerve health. Patients may benefit from insights into the mechanisms of their condition and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and improving nerve function.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that understanding oxidative stress responses can lead to advancements in treating related neurological disorders.
Where this research is happening
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University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vandemark, Andrew Paul — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Vandemark, Andrew Paul
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.