ENC1 protein and why some brain cells are vulnerable to tau in Alzheimer's
Ectodermal-neural cortex 1 and neuronal vulnerability to tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease
Researchers are testing whether changing levels of a protein called ENC1 can reduce harmful tau buildup in the brain cells of people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249982 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one has Alzheimer's, this project looks at why certain brain cells are more damaged by tau proteins. The researchers analyze single‑nucleus RNA sequencing from human brain tissue and use gene network methods to nominate ENC1 as a possible master regulator of vulnerability. They compare ENC1 location and levels in control and Alzheimer brain samples and manipulate ENC1 in laboratory models to see whether changing it alters tau accumulation. The goal is to identify ways to slow or prevent the neuron damage that drives memory loss in Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with Alzheimer's disease or families willing to contribute postmortem brain tissue or participate in related observational/tissue‑donation efforts.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate treatment are unlikely to benefit because this is mechanism-focused research rather than a clinical therapy trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal ENC1 as a new target to slow or prevent tau-related neuron damage in Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Approaches that target molecular regulators of tau have shown promise in lab models, but ENC1's specific role in Alzheimer's is a novel finding and remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fu, Hongjun — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Fu, Hongjun
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.