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Maximizing research success in studies of naturally-occurring prion diseases

Award Number: R35NS132226
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 05/15/2023
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 04/30/2031

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Maximizing research success in studies of naturally-occurring prion diseases - Project Summary / Abstract The broad, long-term goal of my research project is to understand the parameters controlling prion transmission and evolution within and between species, and ultimately to prevent recurrent epidemics in humans and animals. Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a burgeoning epidemic in cervids of increasingly uncertain zoonotic potential, is a particular focus within this general framework. My research group is one of only a handful with the resources and expertise in transgenic, cell biological, biochemical, molecular genetic and in vitro approaches to study prion diseases. Our output has exerted a powerful and sustained influence on the field. This application leverages a longstanding relationship with NINDS which is a feature of my uninterrupted record of NIH funding as an independent investigator for a period covering 26 years. Since prion studies require long-term experimental commitments requiring sustained and highly coordinated approaches, this proposal explores the feasibility of an alternate funding mechanism with improved stability and flexibility leading to improved efficiency which will enhance our already significant capacity to innovate, conduct transformative research, and capitalize on new developments. This application is designed to build on the advancing trajectory of our research by addressing key questions relating to naturally-occurring prion diseases with a particular focus on CWD. We will address the prevalence, properties and origins of emergent and established CWD strains; explore how strain conformations and species-specific PrP primary structural differences regulate interspecies prion transmission; investigate the parameters which stabilize strain phenotypes or promote prion adaptation/evolution; address the roles played by peripheral compartments and the central nervous system in strain selection/adaptation by the host; ascertain the risks posed by established and emergent strains to humans; and determine the structural properties of CWD prion strains at high resolution. The proposed mechanism also provides enhanced opportunities for dedicated mentoring and supervision of trainees and senior scientists, and to optimize my ability to generate a legacy for the next generation of independent investigators.


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: 2025 ( Subtotal = $882,535 )
2025	2025	COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY	601 S HOWES ST	FORT COLLINS	CO	80521	LARIMER	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	3	7/17/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$882,535
														Subtotal = $882,535

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $855,605 )
2024	2024	COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY	601 S HOWES ST	FORT COLLINS	CO	80521	LARIMER	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	2	5/16/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$855,605
														Subtotal = $855,605

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $471,244 )
2023	2023	COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY	601 S HOWES ST	FORT COLLINS	CO	80521	LARIMER	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	1	5/8/2023	NEW	$471,244
														Subtotal = $471,244

Grand Total All Awards = $2,209,384

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Maximizing research success in studies of naturally-occurring prion diseases

Award Number: R35NS132226

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 05/15/2023

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 04/30/2031

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