How a brain receptor (LRP1) may help tau spread in Alzheimer's
LRP1-tau interactions and Alzheimer Disease
This work looks at whether a brain receptor called LRP1 helps the harmful tau protein spread in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138673 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, researchers are focusing on how tau tangles move through the brain in Alzheimer's by studying a receptor called LRP1. They use brain tissue from people with Alzheimer's and lab-grown cells that either have LRP1 or do not to see if LRP1 helps tau enter cells and seed new aggregates. The team applies biochemical tests and imaging to track tau uptake and the steps that let it escape into the cell cytoplasm. Learning these steps could point to ways to block tau spread and protect nerve cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease (or their families) who can donate brain tissue or participate in associated sample collection would be most relevant to this project.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or those not able to provide relevant tissue samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify targets for treatments that block tau spreading and slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown tau can move between cells and that LRP1 binds tau, but how LRP1 enables tau to seed inside cells is still being worked out and is only partly established.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Strickland, Dudley K. — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Strickland, Dudley K.
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.