Faulty communication between cell parts that may drive tau-related brain damage
The Role of Abnormal Inter-Organelle Communication in the Pathogenesis of Tauopathy
This work looks at how problems in the way parts inside brain cells talk to each other may cause toxic tau buildup in people with Alzheimer’s and related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11245769 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are examining why phosphorylated tau builds up and sticks around in brain cells, focusing on how autophagic vesicles (the cell's cleanup bags) interact with mitochondria at nerve endings. They will use lab analysis of brain tissue and cellular and animal models to track where these vesicles pile up, how they become immobile, and which molecular signals disrupt their transport and degradation. The team aims to connect these cellular breakdowns to the neuron loss and memory problems seen in Alzheimer’s and other tauopathies. Findings could point to specific molecules or pathways that future treatments might target to improve clearance of harmful tau.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other tauopathies, or those willing to donate brain tissue or participate in future related clinical efforts, are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Individuals without tau-related neurodegenerative conditions or those seeking an immediate treatment benefit are unlikely to receive direct help from this lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify new targets to help clear toxic tau and potentially slow or prevent memory decline in tau-related diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Past research has linked autophagy problems to tau buildup, but exploring direct membrane contacts between autophagic vesicles and mitochondria at synapses is a newer approach with limited direct clinical testing so far.
Where this research is happening
Piscataway, United States
- Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. — Piscataway, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cai, Qian — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Cai, Qian
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.