Understanding how prion proteins cause brain damage in diseases like Alzheimer's
Molecular basis of prion protein-induced neurodegeneration
This work explores how certain proteins called prions lead to brain cell damage, which could help us understand conditions similar to Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11116860 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks into rare brain disorders called prion diseases, which share features with Alzheimer's disease, such as protein clumps and nerve cell damage. Researchers are using a special mouse model to understand how a specific protein, PrPC, causes problems at the connections between brain cells. By studying these changes, we hope to uncover the exact ways this protein triggers nerve cell damage and dysfunction. The goal is to find out how PrPC affects brain cell communication and overall health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals with prion diseases or Alzheimer's disease in the future.
Not a fit: Patients without neurodegenerative conditions related to prion proteins or Alzheimer's disease would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for treatments that prevent or slow down neurodegeneration in prion diseases and potentially related conditions like Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that reducing the PrPC protein can improve brain function in animal models of prion and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting this approach has promise.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sigurdson, Christina — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Sigurdson, Christina
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 below.