Finding ways to reduce tau protein linked to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Identification of trans-regulatory elements controlling MAPT transcription
Funded at Hudson-Alpha Institute for Biotechnology · NIH-11146573 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to reduce tau protein levels linked to Alzheimer's disease, with the goal of finding new, easy-to-take treatments that could help people with Alzheimer's and similar conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hudson-Alpha Institute for Biotechnology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Huntsville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $704,992 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG085357-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11146573 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 21 and older who are at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases other than Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to lower the levels of tau protein, which is associated with Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. The team aims to identify specific transcription factors that regulate the MAPT gene responsible for tau production. By understanding these regulatory elements, the researchers hope to develop new therapeutic approaches that could potentially be delivered in a non-invasive manner, such as through oral medications. This could make treatment more accessible for patients suffering from Alzheimer's and related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease that are easier for patients to use.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting transcription factors is promising, it is still relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in the context of Alzheimer's disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Hudson-Alpha Institute for Biotechnology
Huntsville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cochran, Jesse N — Hudson-Alpha Institute for Biotechnology
- Study coordinator: Cochran, Jesse N
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.