Understanding How Nucleic Acids Affect Protein Folding
Official title: Nucleic Acids Roles in Protein Folding and Aggregation
Funded at University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) · NIH-11111421 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores how tiny molecules called nucleic acids influence how proteins fold and clump together, which is important for diseases like Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denver, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $368,289 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM142442-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11111421 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation but is relevant to individuals living with or at risk for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's or ALS.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
What this research studies
Proteins need to fold correctly to work properly in our bodies, but sometimes they misfold and clump, leading to serious conditions like Alzheimer's disease. We are learning that nucleic acids, which are abundant in our cells, might play a big part in helping proteins fold correctly or preventing them from clumping. This project aims to uncover the basic rules of how nucleic acids interact with proteins to keep them healthy. By understanding these fundamental processes, we hope to gain new insights into the causes of neurodegenerative diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to prevent or treat diseases caused by protein misfolding, such as Alzheimer's and ALS.
How similar studies have gone: Our team has recently found that nucleic acids can strongly influence protein folding, indicating a promising new area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Denver (Colorado Seminary)
Denver, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Horowitz, Scott Andrew — University of Denver (Colorado Seminary)
- Study coordinator: Horowitz, Scott Andrew
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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.