Understanding how prion strains evolve and transmit between species
Official title: Contributions of prion strains and substrains to prion zoonotic potential and evolution
Funded at Creighton University · NIH-10854905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how prion proteins change when they jump between different animals, with the goal of finding ways to stop prion diseases from spreading, which could help keep patients safer in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Creighton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $527,952 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS133050-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10854905 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of exposure to prion diseases, such as those who work with infected animals or consume potentially contaminated food.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of prion diseases or have no exposure to prion-infected environments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the behavior of prion strains, which are infectious proteins that can evolve when they move between different species. The team will explore how dominant prion strains and their substrains contribute to the transmission of prions, particularly focusing on their ability to adapt to new hosts. By studying these interactions, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could prevent prion diseases from spreading. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to better prevention strategies against prion-related diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for preventing the transmission of prion diseases to humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding prion behavior, but this specific approach to studying substrains and their role in transmission is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Creighton University
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bartz, Jason C — Creighton University
- Study coordinator: Bartz, Jason C
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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.