How tau protein affects cellular waste management in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Disruption of Endosomal Microautophagy by Pathological Tau Protein
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11141087 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called tau affects a process in brain cells that helps break down and recycle proteins, which is important for Alzheimer's disease, and it hopes to find new ways to treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $254,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG081907-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11141087 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those exhibiting early signs of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to tau protein dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of tau protein in disrupting a specific cellular process called endosomal microautophagy, which is crucial for degrading and recycling proteins in the brain. By examining how tau contributes to the dysfunction of this process, the research aims to understand its impact on Alzheimer's disease progression. The approach includes studying cellular models and analyzing the effects of tau on mitochondrial function and protein degradation pathways. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting tau-related mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve cellular waste management in Alzheimer's disease, potentially slowing disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting tau protein and its pathways can lead to promising therapeutic outcomes in Alzheimer's models, indicating a potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Congdon, Erin — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Congdon, Erin
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.