ApoE-Tau link in preeclampsia and later brain disease
Official title: ApoE-Tau axis in preeclampsia, a severe pregnancy complication, and neurodegeneration
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11203094 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how preeclampsia in pregnancy might connect to Alzheimer’s-related problems later in life, by studying the ApoE and Tau pathways in humans and animal models.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $3,267,011 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG094765-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11203094 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women with a history of preeclampsia or those at risk, and older adults at risk for Alzheimer's-related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Results may be more informative for future patients rather than providing direct therapy today for all participants.
What this research studies
Preeclampsia is linked to later health risks, including brain and kidney problems. The research uses human placenta and blood samples, plus mouse models that mimic the human condition, to explore how Tau protein and ApoE may drive disease processes. By combining laboratory work with early therapeutic testing, the team aims to outline how early pregnancy events could influence long-term brain health. The study seeks to identify triggers and potential interventions that could benefit women who had PE and might be at risk for neurodegenerative conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to strategies to reduce long-term dementia risk for women affected by preeclampsia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked vascular pregnancy complications to later neurodegenerative changes, with mixed but promising indicators for Tau-related pathways.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharma, Surendra — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Sharma, Surendra
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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.