How alpha-synuclein controls human tau in dementia
Regulation of human tau expression and tauopathy by alpha-synuclein
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11307151
Researchers are testing whether lowering a protein called alpha-synuclein can reduce harmful human tau and protect thinking and memory in people with Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, or frontotemporal dementia.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11307151 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team uses genetically modified mice that carry human tau and new knockout lines to study how alpha-synuclein influences tau protein and brain function. They will remove the SNCA gene that makes alpha-synuclein either throughout the brain or only in forebrain excitatory neurons and compare resulting tau buildup, synapse health, and memory performance. Experiments combine molecular analyses, brain pathology, and behavioral tests to connect protein changes with cognitive outcomes. The goal is to provide preclinical proof-of-principle that targeting alpha-synuclein/tau interactions could reduce tau-related damage seen across several dementias.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, or frontotemporal dementia who have evidence of tau-related pathology would be the likely candidates for future trials stemming from this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose cognitive decline is driven mainly by non-tau causes, such as pure vascular dementia or other unrelated conditions, may not benefit from approaches targeting alpha-synuclein and tau.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify a new treatment strategy to lower tau pathology and help preserve thinking and memory in people with tau-linked dementias.
How similar studies have performed: Some animal studies and human postmortem analyses have linked alpha-synuclein and tau, but using genetic removal of SNCA to lower human tau is a relatively novel preclinical approach with limited direct precedent.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LEE, MICHAEL K — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: LEE, MICHAEL 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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome