# Feedback amplification between Retrotransposons/endogenous retroviruses and TDP-43 in Alzheimers related dementias

> **NIH NIH R01** · STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK · 2024 · $779,069

## Abstract

PROJECT ABSTRACT
This proposal investigates a novel idea to explain how TDP-43 protein pathology is
amplified and spread between glia and neurons after initiation of disease. TDP-43
aggregation pathology is a core feature of a suite of neurodegenerative disorders
including frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer’s and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We
propose and will test the hypothesis that retrotransposons and endogenous retroviruses
are both activated by TDP-43 pathology and can be upstream initiators of such
pathology. We also will test the idea that these mobile elements contribute a mechanism
of inter-cellular spread that could underlie progression of disease. We will use both
Drosophila models and mammalian cell culture to test the core features of this proposed
model.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10864987
- **Project number:** 5R01AG078788-03
- **Recipient organization:** STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK
- **Principal Investigator:** JOSHUA T DUBNAU
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $779,069
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-09-15 → 2027-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10864987

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10864987, Feedback amplification between Retrotransposons/endogenous retroviruses and TDP-43 in Alzheimers related dementias (5R01AG078788-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10864987. Licensed CC0.

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