How maltose affects protein balance and tau-related diseases
Official title: REGULATION OF PROTEOSTASIS AND TAUOPATHY BY MALTOSE-INDUCED SIGNALING
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11093437 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how maltose, a type of sugar, might help keep proteins in the brain balanced and healthy as we age, especially in relation to diseases like Alzheimer's that involve tau proteins, and it could be helpful for anyone concerned about brain health as they get older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $416,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG075869-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093437 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing symptoms of neurodegeneration or those at risk for tauopathies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-age-related neurodegenerative conditions or those without tau-related pathologies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of maltose, a disaccharide, in maintaining protein balance in the brain and its potential effects on age-related neurodegenerative diseases, particularly those involving tau proteins. The study explores how maltose and the enzyme Amyrel can protect against tauopathy and the accumulation of damaged proteins in the central nervous system. By using advanced models, including human brain organoids, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms through which maltose influences protein homeostasis and neuronal health during aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating age-related neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of small metabolites in neurodegeneration is largely unexplored, preliminary findings suggest that similar approaches have shown promise in other contexts, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Demontis, Fabio — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Demontis, Fabio
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.