How the protein TDP-43 may make Alzheimer's worse
Official title: Mechanisms of TDP-43 neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at VA Puget Sound Healthcare System · NIH-11212833 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at how the protein TDP-43 works with tau to make Alzheimer’s disease worse in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Puget Sound Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005762-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11212833 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with Alzheimer’s disease—especially older adults with faster memory decline or signs of TDP-43-related brain changes—are most relevant to this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Alzheimer’s disease or those whose condition does not involve TDP-43 are unlikely to benefit directly from this laboratory-focused work.
What this research studies
This project uses tiny worm models to see how two proteins linked to Alzheimer’s—tau and TDP-43—act together to damage nerve cells. The team will build worms carrying human protein variants and use precise gene editing plus sensitive behavior and imaging tests to watch what happens. They will pinpoint which parts of each protein drive the worst effects and how the proteins accumulate in cells. Although done in lab models, the findings could explain steps that speed memory loss in people with Alzheimer’s.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal biological targets for new treatments to slow or prevent cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s who have TDP-43 co-pathology.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier experiments in C. elegans showed that tau and TDP-43 together increase neurotoxicity, so this project builds on that promising but still early evidence.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liachko, Nicole Faron — VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Liachko, Nicole Faron
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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.