How different tau proteins spread in Alzheimer's and related dementias
Pathogenesis of Tauopathies
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11299526
This work looks at how misfolded forms of the tau protein move through the brain and seeks ways to stop that process to help people with Alzheimer's disease and other tau-related dementias.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11299526 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research explores how distinct abnormal forms (strains) of the tau protein spread between brain cells and drive different types of dementia. The team will test how amyloid‑beta plaques change tau's ability to spread, study how pathological tau converts normal tau into harmful shapes, and search for genes that control tau transmission. They will use laboratory models, tau taken from affected tissue, and genetic tools to pinpoint the key steps in the spreading process. The goal is to find targets that could be blocked by future treatments to slow or prevent progression of tauopathies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, or other tauopathies could potentially provide samples or be candidates for future clinical trials informed by this work.
Not a fit: People whose symptoms are caused by non-tau conditions (for example, pure vascular dementia or other non-tau neurodegenerations) may not directly benefit from findings focused on tau transmission.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new treatments that block tau spreading and slow or prevent progression of Alzheimer's and other tau-related dementias.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies have shown that tau can spread between cells and that blocking spread can help in models, but no proven tau‑blocking therapy exists yet for patients.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LEE, VIRGINIA M — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: LEE, VIRGINIA M
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.