Using yeast to understand and tackle diseases caused by protein misfolding.

Yeast as a gateway to conquering protein misfolding diseases.

NIH-funded research University of Nevada Reno · NIH-10783768

This study is looking at how a protein called TDP-43 can go wrong and cause problems in cells, which is important for understanding diseases like ALS and dementia, with the hope of finding new ways to help people who have these conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nevada Reno NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Reno, United States)
Project IDNIH-10783768 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how certain proteins, particularly TDP-43, misfold and form harmful aggregates that are linked to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and dementia. By utilizing a yeast model system, the researchers aim to identify the mechanisms of toxicity associated with TDP-43 and discover potential therapeutic targets. The study will explore the different forms of TDP-43 aggregates and their effects on cellular health, providing insights that could lead to new treatment strategies for patients suffering from these conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, frontotemporal dementia, or other conditions related to TDP-43 protein misfolding.

Not a fit: Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not associated with TDP-43 or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases associated with protein misfolding.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research using yeast models has shown promise in understanding protein misfolding diseases, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Reno, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions human disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.