How TDP-43 and Tau proteins interact in Alzheimer’s disease
Biophysical and Pathophysiological Studies of TDP-43/Tau Interaction
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-11327265
This project explores how two brain proteins, TDP-43 and Tau, come together in Alzheimer’s and tries small molecules and peptides that might block that harmful interaction for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11327265 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will map how TDP-43 and Tau bind using lab techniques such as NMR and surface plasmon resonance. They will test small molecules and peptides in the lab to see if those compounds can break or prevent the proteins from sticking together. A humanized knock-in disease model that ages naturally or after axonal injury will be used to watch cellular changes, behaviors, and disease-related signs over time. The team will also look for other protein partners and chemical changes like phosphorylation that affect the TDP-43/Tau interaction to find targets for new treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with Alzheimer’s disease or related neurodegenerative disorders, especially those interested in future clinical trials targeting TDP-43/Tau interactions, would be the likely candidates for follow-up studies.
Not a fit: Patients whose dementia is driven by causes unrelated to Tau or TDP-43 pathology may not benefit from therapies targeting this specific interaction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new first-in-class therapies that stop harmful TDP-43/Tau interactions and slow or prevent Alzheimer’s progression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous efforts targeting Tau have had mixed results, and directly targeting TDP-43/Tau interactions is a newer, largely experimental approach.
Where this research is happening
GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA — GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KHANNA, MAY — UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- Study coordinator: KHANNA, MAY
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's disease therapeutic