# Redox regulation of protein functions linked to neurodegeneration

> **NIH NIH R01** · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · 2020 · $357,656

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract:
The molecular and metabolic mechanisms that go awry during the course of neurodegeneration
remain poorly understood. A conserved protein called ataxin-2 has been linked to
neurodegeneration due to the occurrence of polyglutamine tract expansions that can influence
the aggregation of itself and other proteins. However, the normal functions of this protein and
the consequences of their alteration have not been clear. It was recently shown that the protein
can function as a redox sensor to then regulate cellular metabolism and signaling in a manner
that sustains mitochondrial health and cell survivability. This proposal will investigate aspects of
the mechanism of redox sensing by ataxin-2 in both yeast and mammalian cells, the
downstream outputs, as well as the consequences of mutations and variants on associated
cellular functions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10025191
- **Project number:** 5R01NS115546-02
- **Recipient organization:** UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Benjamin P Tu
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $357,656
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-25 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10025191

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10025191, Redox regulation of protein functions linked to neurodegeneration (5R01NS115546-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10025191. Licensed CC0.

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