How harmful tau proteins spread between brain cells
Mechanism of cell uptake for pathogenic tau seeds
This project tests whether changes in an enzyme called NDST change how harmful tau proteins get into brain cells in people with Alzheimer's and related dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258503 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use genetically modified mice and lab-grown brain cells to study how abnormal tau protein clumps bind to the cell surface and cross into neighboring cells. They will focus on heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) and the NDST family of enzymes that modify those cell-surface sugars. The team will change NDST genes in mice to see if altering these modifications reduces tau uptake and the spread of damage. Results may help identify whether blocking this pathway can slow or stop disease progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other tau-related dementias who are interested in research on how tau spreads would be most directly connected to this work.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to tau aggregation, such as some forms of vascular dementia, are unlikely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for therapies that block harmful tau from spreading in the brain, potentially slowing Alzheimer's and related dementias.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier laboratory studies have shown that HSPGs and NDST1 help tau bind to cells, so this project builds on promising preclinical findings though human treatments remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Diamond, Marc I — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Diamond, Marc I
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.