How a tau P301 change may cause memory loss in frontotemporal dementia
Contributions of tau-mediated translational dysregulation to pathogenesis and progression of fronto-temporal dementia
This project looks at whether a specific change in the tau protein (P301) ties up the cell’s protein-making machines and leads to memory problems in people with frontotemporal dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258914 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study brain tissue from people with frontotemporal dementia alongside lab-grown cells and mouse models to see how P301-mutant tau interacts with ribosomes. They will isolate ribosomes, measure protein production in cells, and examine brain changes in mice carrying mutant tau. The team will compare ribosome behavior and the ribosome’s ability to read critical memory-related messages in human FTD brains and model systems. Results will be used to pinpoint how faulty tau might block production of proteins needed for memory.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with frontotemporal dementia, especially those known to carry tau P301 mutations or families considering tissue donation, would be most directly relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients with non-tau forms of dementia or those seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic-science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for drugs or therapies aimed at preventing tau-related loss of proteins needed for memory in FTD patients.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have hinted that tau can bind ribosomes and reduce protein synthesis, but linking the P301 mutation to translational repression in human FTD brains is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abisambra, Jose Francisco — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Abisambra, Jose Francisco
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.