How tau protein clumps form and behave in different brain cells
Official title: Architecture, dynamics and cell-specific behavior of tau condensates
Funded at Advanced Science Research Center · NIH-11310173 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how the tau protein forms sticky condensates in brain cells and how that may lead to early changes in Alzheimer's and related dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Advanced Science Research Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $391,349 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082250-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11310173 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with early Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment who might donate samples or clinical data would be most relevant to this research.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with advanced dementia or conditions unrelated to tau pathology are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific work.
What this research studies
You will hear about work that focuses on the early molecular events tied to tau, a protein linked to Alzheimer's and other dementias. Researchers will use biochemical tools and cell models to watch how tau forms phase-separated condensates in neurons and in oligodendrocytes, the cells that make myelin. They will test how disease-linked tau changes the condensates and how this may cause white matter changes seen in people with mild cognitive problems. The goal is to connect these lab findings to the early brain changes that happen before obvious dementia symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to early molecular targets to prevent or slow white-matter damage and progression of Alzheimer's-related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Prior laboratory studies have shown that tau can form condensates and that certain mutations alter them, but applying these findings to human disease is still at an early, experimental stage.
Where this research is happening
-
Advanced Science Research Center
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elbaum, Shana — Advanced Science Research Center
- Study coordinator: Elbaum, Shana
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.