Understanding how transthyretin proteins misfold and cause diseases
Official title: Molecular mechanisms of transthyretin amyloidosis
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11050903 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins misbehave in transthyretin amyloidosis, which can cause serious health problems, to understand how they clump together in the body and how things like fluid flow might affect this process, with the hope of finding new ways to treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $566,635 |
| NIH project number | 2R01DK124211-05A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050903 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with transthyretin amyloidosis or those at risk due to genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with amyloidosis caused by other proteins or unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind transthyretin amyloidosis, a condition where proteins misfold and aggregate, leading to serious health issues like neurodegenerative diseases and heart problems. The study focuses on how these proteins behave under normal physiological conditions, particularly how fluid flow affects their aggregation. By using advanced biophysical tools, researchers aim to uncover the fundamental processes that lead to the formation of harmful protein deposits in the body. This knowledge could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies to combat these diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from transthyretin amyloidosis and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding protein misfolding and aggregation, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wright, Peter Edwin — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Wright, Peter Edwin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how kidney-like blood flow may cause amyloid buildup
A research project uses tiny blood-flow devices to study how certain proteins misfold and form amyloid deposits in organs like the kidney and heart.
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Blood test to detect ATTR amyloidosis earlier using a smart detection kit
A new blood test kit aims to detect ATTR amyloidosis early using a biomarker that appears in patients but not in healthy people.
-
Detection and measurement of amyloid in people carrying the V122I TTR gene variant
This research will look for early signs of heart-related amyloidosis in people with the V122I TTR gene variant using blood tests and a special imaging scan.
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Identifying Hidden Cardiac Amyloidosis in Black V122I TTR Carriers
This project looks for early signs of heart damage in Black individuals who carry the V122I TTR variant and may benefit from new treatments if caught early.
-
Chip phosphorylation boosts breakdown of mutant TTR to help heart amyloidosis
A scientist-led project aims to help people with a heart disease caused by a mutant protein called transthyretin (TTR) by boosting the body’s protein-cleanup systems to remove the harmful TTR deposits.
-
Finding transthyretin heart amyloid from lumbar spine surgery tissue
This project looks for transthyretin (TTR) amyloid in tissue removed during lumbar spine surgery to find people who may later develop TTR cardiac amyloidosis.
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.