Understanding how misfolded proteins behave in diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Official title: Identifying differences in dynamics and residual structure of intrinsically disordered domains between monomer and fibers: using alpha-synuclein as a model
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11002690 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein related to diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's changes shape and behavior when it misfolds, with the hope that understanding these changes will help find better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 19, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS131011-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002690 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not associated with misfolded proteins may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the differences in the structure and behavior of misfolded proteins, specifically focusing on alpha-synuclein, which is linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. By examining how these proteins change from their normal form to toxic aggregates, the study aims to uncover the role of flexible regions in these proteins that may influence their harmful effects. The approach involves advanced techniques to visualize and analyze these protein structures, which could lead to a better understanding of their impact on disease progression. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could inform future treatments targeting these misfolded proteins.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating neurodegenerative diseases by targeting the mechanisms of protein misfolding.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding protein misfolding in neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pacheco, Sayuri — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Pacheco, Sayuri
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.