Annexin A6 to prevent nerve damage and tau spread in Alzheimer’s
Exploring annexin A6 for the prevention of dystrophic neurites and tau seeding and spreading in Alzheimer's disease
This work looks at whether boosting a protein called annexin A6 can protect brain cells and stop harmful tau from spreading in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247569 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be hearing about research at Northwestern that focuses on a protein called annexin A6 and how it might stop membrane damage caused by amyloid plaques. Scientists will use lab-grown cells, animal models, and human brain tissue to see if changing annexin A6 levels reduces damaged nerve endings (dystrophic neurites) and prevents tau from seeding and spreading. The team will watch effects on nerve health, tau clumping, and related markers of neuron dysfunction. The goal is to find a new way to block a process that leads to memory loss in Alzheimer’s.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with early Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s would be the most likely candidates to benefit from future therapies based on this work.
Not a fit: People with non‑Alzheimer’s forms of dementia or very advanced late‑stage disease are less likely to benefit from a treatment that targets this specific Alzheimer's mechanism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new treatments that slow or prevent tau spread and neuron loss, potentially preserving memory and delaying dementia progression.
How similar studies have performed: Existing amyloid‑targeting drugs have shown modest clinical benefit, but targeting annexin A6 and membrane repair is a newer, largely preclinical approach with limited prior clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vassar, Robert J — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Vassar, Robert J
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.