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FUNCTIONAL VALIDATION OF A PLECTIN-ASSOCIATED ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE PROTEIN NETWORK

Award Number: K01AG071851
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 02/01/2022
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/31/2027

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FUNCTIONAL VALIDATION OF A PLECTIN-ASSOCIATED ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE PROTEIN NETWORK - Project Summary/Abstract This proposal describes a five-year mentored laboratory training experience designed to lead to an independent academic research career dissecting the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The applicant’s career goal is to become a prominent scientist in the AD research field by leading an independently-funded research group. The career development plan includes training designed to broaden the applicant’s scientific skillset, including: (1) utilizing systems biology approaches to validate protein networks and network hub proteins associated with AD, (2) employing cross-species analyses to validate components of an AD-associated network and dissect its underlying biology, and (3) applying translation biology approaches to determine how these protein networks contribute to AD pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic targets. This plan incorporates additional training in leadership, mentorship, grant-writing, and ethics. During a period of mentored research training, the applicant will engage in skills acquisition, didactic training, seminars, international conferences, meetings with his mentor and mentorship committee, followed by a transition to independence. The proposed research seeks to improve our understanding of the underpinnings and pathophysiology of AD by investigating an AD-associated protein network. We have identified the human M4 protein network that is significantly associated with AD symptoms and neuropathology. Based on network analyses, Plectin (Plec) was identified as a potential network driver that best represents the behavior of the entire network. The overall project goal is to validate and elucidate the role of M4 network by dissecting Plec function in the Drosophila model. My cross-species approach will powerfully enhance our understanding of Plec and the M4 network, informing a therapeutic rationale for further studies in mammalian preclinical AD models. This five-year project will take place primarily at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), an institution with nationally recognized departments in both genetics, neuroscience, and AD research, including well-established research efforts. The Department of Neurology has an outstanding track record of training early stage investigators to become highly successful translational researchers. The research environment provides the best intellectual environment and available technology. The proposal provides a broad research experience in systems biology analysis of proteomic data, cross-species validation of a translationally relevant protein network, and functional characterization of a proposed network driver and AD therapeutic target. In addition, the proposed career development plan will prepare this applicant to become an independent scientist and leader in the AD research field.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $121,185 )
2026	2026	BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE	1 BAYLOR PLZ	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Aging Research	000	5	2/9/2026	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$121,185
														Subtotal = $121,185

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $121,185 )
2025	2025	BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE	1 BAYLOR PLZ	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Aging Research	000	4	1/22/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$121,185
														Subtotal = $121,185

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $121,185 )
2024	2024	BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE	1 BAYLOR PLZ	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Aging Research	000	3	1/26/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$121,185
														Subtotal = $121,185

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $121,185 )
2023	2023	BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE	1 BAYLOR PLZ	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Aging Research	000	2	2/2/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$121,185
														Subtotal = $121,185

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $121,185 )
2022	2022	BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE	ONE BAYLOR PLAZA	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Aging Research	000	1	1/27/2022	NEW	$121,185
														Subtotal = $121,185

Grand Total All Awards = $605,925

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FUNCTIONAL VALIDATION OF A PLECTIN-ASSOCIATED ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE PROTEIN NETWORK

Award Number: K01AG071851

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 02/01/2022

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/31/2027

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