Understanding how prions and amyloid proteins damage brain cells
Official title: Mechanisms of Prion Spread and Neuronal Toxicity
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11040292 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins, like prions and amyloid-beta, harm brain cells in diseases such as Alzheimer's, and it aims to find new ways to help patients by understanding how these proteins affect brain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $632,199 |
| NIH project number | 5R37NS076896-13 |
| Project ID | NIH-11040292 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those exhibiting early signs of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurodegenerative conditions or those without cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which prions and amyloid-beta proteins contribute to brain cell damage and dysfunction in diseases like Alzheimer's. The team will study how certain proteins are processed and cleared in the brain, focusing on a pathway known as ESCRT that is crucial for maintaining healthy synaptic function. By using advanced techniques such as electrophysiology and microscopy, they aim to uncover the cellular changes that occur during disease progression, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the underlying causes of their conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sigurdson, Christina — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Sigurdson, Christina
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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.