Detecting and removing harmful tau protein in the brain
Clearance and In Vivo Detection of Tau Pathology
Researchers are testing whether clearing abnormal tau protein can restore nerve cell calcium balance and reduce brain immune activation relevant to people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11311855 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses mouse models that develop tau buildup and special fluorescent calcium indicators to watch neurons in the living brain with two-photon imaging. They apply tau-targeting antibodies to see if removing soluble phospho-tau restores normal calcium signaling in neurons and improves neuronal function. Researchers also study how brain immune cells (microglia) interact with tau and with tau-antibody complexes in vivo. Results are intended to inform future antibody-based therapies for people with Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment linked to tau pathology would be the most relevant candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: People whose dementia is primarily due to non-tau causes (for example, pure vascular dementia) or those in very advanced late-stage illness may be unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point toward antibody treatments that clear toxic tau, improve neuron signaling, and slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Related antibody approaches have shown promise in animal models by reducing soluble phospho-tau and improving neuron function, though results have varied and human benefit is not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sigurdsson, Einar M — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Sigurdsson, Einar M
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.