Understanding how stressed neurons manage toxic proteins in the brain
Official title: Molecular and Cell Biological Foundations of Proteostress-Induced Neuronal Extrusion
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-11076304 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stressed brain cells can get rid of harmful proteins that are connected to diseases like Alzheimer's, using tiny worms to see how this works, with hopes of finding new ways to help people with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $600,317 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG084206-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076304 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing or at risk for neurodegenerative conditions, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases unrelated to protein aggregation or those in very early stages of cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which neurons under stress can expel toxic protein aggregates, which are linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Using a simple model organism, C. elegans, the study aims to visualize and measure how these neurons generate and release extracellular material. By understanding these processes, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic strategies to combat the spread of neurodegeneration. The findings could provide insights into how similar mechanisms might operate in human brains affected by aging and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating neurodegenerative diseases by targeting the mechanisms of protein quality control.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding protein quality control in neurodegeneration, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Driscoll, Monica a. — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Driscoll, Monica 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.