How common genetic differences change a cell's protein-stress response in Alzheimer's
Official title: Investigation of the effects of genetic risk variants in the Unfolded Protein Response on tauopathy pathogenesis
Funded at Minneapolis VA Medical Center · NIH-11063252 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Looks at whether common genetic differences in the cell's protein-folding stress system change how Alzheimer's and related tau diseases progress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Minneapolis VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006391-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063252 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with Alzheimer's disease or related tauopathies, especially those who carry the PERK-associated genetic variants or who can provide blood or brain-tissue samples, would be most relevant.
✕Less likely to help
People whose dementia is not driven by tau pathology or who do not carry the relevant genetic variants may be less likely to benefit from findings focused on the PERK/UPR pathway.
What this research studies
From your point of view, researchers will study specific genetic changes linked to the PERK part of the unfolded protein response to see how those changes affect brain cells that accumulate tau. They will use human genetic data and post-mortem brain samples alongside lab models (cells and animal models) to compare how the pathway works with and without the risk variants. The team will also test whether drugs can restore normal protein-stress responses in models carrying the risk variants. The aim is to identify whether people with these genetic differences might benefit from treatments that target this pathway.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new ways to protect brain cells from tau damage and lead to treatments targeted to people with the PERK-related genetic risk variants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous lab and animal work suggests altering PERK and the unfolded protein response can change tau-related damage, but this approach remains largely preclinical and not proven in people.
Where this research is happening
-
Minneapolis VA Medical Center
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yuan, Shauna H — Minneapolis VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Yuan, Shauna H
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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.