Understanding how proteins misfold in neurodegenerative diseases
Official title: Synthetic Reconstruction of Human Chaperone Networks in Yeast Models of Neurodegeneration
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10800710 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain helper proteins can stop bad proteins from building up in the brain, which is important for people with conditions like frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's, and it hopes to find new ways to help treat these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $115,290 |
| NIH project number | 5K99AG075242-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10800710 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases such as frontotemporal dementia or Alzheimer's.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not associated with the proteins being studied, such as those with Parkinson's disease, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of molecular chaperones in preventing the accumulation of misfolded proteins in neurodegenerative diseases like frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's. By using yeast models, the study aims to create a comprehensive map of chaperone networks that could help identify how these proteins fail to function properly in aging neurons. The researchers will explore over 12,000 combinations of chaperone proteins to determine their effectiveness against specific misfolded proteins associated with these diseases. This innovative approach could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for neurodegeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating or preventing neurodegenerative diseases by enhancing the function of molecular chaperones.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of targeting chaperone networks is widely accepted, this specific approach has not been directly tested before, making it a novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barbieri, Edward Matthew — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Barbieri, Edward Matthew
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.