Understanding how prion proteins harm the brain
Mechanisms of Prion Protein Toxicity
This work aims to uncover how abnormal prion proteins damage brain cells and cause diseases like Alzheimer's, with the goal of finding new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127458 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We want to understand exactly how prion proteins harm the connections between brain cells, called synapses, and how these harmful proteins spread in the brain. Our goal is to use this knowledge to create new medicines for these brain disorders. We are looking at how a normal protein, PrPC, turns into a harmful one, PrPSc, and how this process leads to brain cell damage. Our previous work has shown a specific pathway involved in this damage, and we are now exploring how to disrupt this harmful process.
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 those at risk for neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's in the future.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical trial participation would not find direct benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new drug therapies that prevent or slow down the brain damage caused by prion diseases and potentially related conditions like Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: While the molecular templating model for prion propagation is accepted, the exact mechanisms of neurodegeneration are still being uncovered, making this a novel and critical area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harris, David a — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Harris, David a
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.