Understanding how neuropeptides are transported and processed in cells
Official title: Mechanisms of intracellular transport and processing of neuropeptides
Funded at Middle Tennessee State University · NIH-10974965 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny messengers in the brain, called neuropeptides, move around and work inside cells, using fruit flies to help us see what's happening, and it could lead to new ways to help people with brain disorders like Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Middle Tennessee State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Murfreesboro, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $382,436 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM155985-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974965 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with neurodegenerative conditions, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurological conditions or those not affected by neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which neuropeptides, important chemical messengers in the nervous system, are transported and processed within cells. By using genetically modified fruit flies, the study aims to visualize how these neuropeptides are sorted, trafficked, and released from specialized cellular compartments. The findings could provide insights into the biological processes that underlie various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. The research focuses on understanding the molecular machinery involved in these processes to potentially identify new therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases by improving our understanding of neuropeptide function and regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding neuropeptide functions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ormerod, Kiel — Middle Tennessee State University
- Study coordinator: Ormerod, Kiel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Quantum-Enhanced Computer-Aided Drug Design for Cancer Inhibitors
A project to use advanced quantum methods to improve computer-assisted drug design for cancer, aiming to develop better inhibitors for tubulin.
-
New tubulin-blocking agents for metastatic melanoma
A new class of tiny molecules called fused heterocyclic pyrazines will be studied as potential anti-melanoma drugs, aimed at patients with metastatic melanoma.
-
New anti-mitotic drugs for metastatic melanoma
Developing new medicines that stop cancer cells from dividing to help people with metastatic melanoma, including tumors that resist current chemotherapy.
-
Developing new drugs to treat advanced melanoma
This study is working on developing new treatments for metastatic melanoma, a tough type of skin cancer, by creating special compounds that can stop cancer cells from dividing, which could lead to better and safer options for patients.
-
Understanding the role of MYC in a rare type of ovarian cancer
This study is looking at a rare and aggressive type of ovarian cancer called SCCOHT, mainly affecting young women, to understand how certain genetic changes, especially in the SMARCA4 gene, might influence tumor growth and help develop better treatments for patients.
-
Understanding how a yeast infection affects immune cell function
This study is looking at how a type of yeast called Cryptococcus neoformans manages to escape being killed by immune cells in our body, and it aims to find ways to help those immune cells do their job better, especially for people dealing with infections that are hard to treat.
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.