Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Albany Medical College received a $562,051 Project Grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) under the Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders (CFDA 93.853) program, awarded March 6, 2026, with a completion date of February 28, 2031. The award supports research investigating the modulation of the Hippo pathway as a novel therapeutic approach for Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A (CMT1A), the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy affecting millions worldwide. The research focuses on targeting the YAP/TAZ-TEAD1 (Yes-Associated Protein/Transcriptional co-Activator with PDZ-binding motif/TEA Domain-containing transcription factor 1) transcriptional complex to reduce pathogenic PMP22 (Peripheral Myelin Protein 22) expression in Schwann cells.

The grant deliverables include three primary research components: (1) examination of molecular and cellular effects of YAP/TAZ/TEAD1 inhibition using TEAD inhibitors to reduce PMP22 expression in Schwann cells; (2) evaluation of therapeutic potential through TAZ ablation and TEAD inhibitors in preclinical mouse models to assess prevention or reversal of myelin defects and nerve function restoration; and (3) comprehensive mechanistic analyses utilizing spatial transcriptomics and long-term safety evaluations. By integrating pharmacological and genetic approaches with repurposed existing drugs, this research aims to provide a transformative treatment strategy for CMT1A with potential implications for addressing other peripheral neuropathies and expanding the therapeutic applications of Hippo pathway modulation.