Finding new ways to clear harmful tau proteins in the brain
Validation of a novel tau clearance mechanism.
This research explores a new way the brain might clear out harmful tau proteins, which are linked to memory loss in Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11297440 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Alzheimer's disease involves harmful tau proteins building up in the brain, forming tangles that lead to memory and thinking problems. These tau buildups are strongly connected to how severe a person's cognitive decline becomes. Our team is working to understand how the brain naturally gets rid of these problematic tau proteins. We've found a new process involving 'linear ubiquitin chains' that seems to help clear tau, and this process is reduced in models of tauopathy. By understanding this mechanism, we hope to discover new ways to treat conditions like Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with Alzheimer's disease or other tauopathies might eventually benefit from therapies developed from this fundamental understanding.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to tau protein accumulation would likely not benefit from this specific research direction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help the brain clear harmful tau proteins, potentially slowing or stopping the progression of Alzheimer's disease and similar conditions.
How similar studies have performed: While other mechanisms for tau clearance are known, this specific linear ubiquitination pathway is a novel finding being explored.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liao, Francesca-Fang — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Liao, Francesca-Fang
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.