Understanding how proteins change with age in human diseases
Investigating protein phase separation and aggregation in age dependent human disease
This project explores how certain proteins change and clump together as we age, which might contribute to many age-related health conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11197602 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research looks at how proteins in our bodies can separate into different compartments, a process called phase separation. Sometimes, these separated proteins can mature over time into harmful clumps, or aggregates, which are linked to diseases that appear as people get older. This work uses advanced lab techniques and models, including comprehensive libraries of human disease alleles, to understand if changes in these protein behaviors play a role in how and why age-related diseases develop. We hope to uncover fundamental mechanisms that could lead to new ways to address these conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future clinical applications would target individuals with age-dependent diseases linked to protein aggregation.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not find benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal new fundamental mechanisms behind age-related diseases, potentially leading to new targets for therapies.
How similar studies have performed: The concept of protein phase separation is a newly discovered area, and while some laboratory studies show its link to aggregation, its general contribution to human disease is still being defined.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jarosz, Daniel — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Jarosz, Daniel
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.