Developing a new method to identify tau protein structures linked to neurodegenerative diseases
Official title: A macrocyclic peptide platform for the discovery of functional tau epitopes
Funded at University of Notre Dame · NIH-11052871 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called tau that can cause problems in the brain and lead to dementia, and it's trying to create special tools to better understand how this protein behaves, which could help improve diagnosis and treatment for people with cognitive decline.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Notre Dame NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Notre Dame, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $553,998 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG091375-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052871 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases characterized by tau protein accumulation, such as Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not associated with tau protein misfolding may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the tau protein, which can misfold and accumulate in the brain, leading to neurodegenerative diseases like dementia. By designing specialized peptides that mimic the structure of these misfolded tau proteins, the researchers aim to uncover how these proteins contribute to disease progression. The approach involves advanced techniques to analyze the structural variations of tau proteins in different diseases, which could lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from insights gained about tau protein behavior and its role in cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and targeted therapies for neurodegenerative diseases associated with tau protein misfolding.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding tau protein dynamics, but this specific approach using peptidomimetics is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Del Valle, Juan R — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: Del Valle, Juan R
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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.