How two brain proteins (tau and TDP-43) interact in Alzheimer's
Novel Mechanisms of tau and TDP-43 synergy in Alzheimer's disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11247562
This research looks at whether the combination of two proteins, tau and TDP-43, disrupts the brain’s cellular cleanup system and makes Alzheimer's disease progress faster in people with AD.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11247562 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient viewpoint, the team uses lab models to mimic what happens when tau and TDP-43 appear together in brain cells and measures how cells respond. They compare gene activity patterns from those models to patterns seen in human Alzheimer's sequencing data. The researchers will change specific genes in the cellular cleanup (lysosomal autophagy) pathway to see which ones help or worsen damage. Results will be combined with quantitative imaging and molecular readouts to pinpoint mechanisms behind faster decline when both proteins are present.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or individuals willing to donate brain tissue or sequencing data would be the most relevant participants for follow-up or related human studies.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer’s or those whose memory problems are from non-neurodegenerative causes would be unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify biological steps that drive faster decline in Alzheimer's and point to new targets for treatments or biomarkers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous human and lab studies have shown that TDP-43 often co-occurs with tau and is linked to faster decline, but the specific molecular mechanisms of their interaction are still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LATIMER, CAITLIN SHANNON — UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- Study coordinator: LATIMER, CAITLIN SHANNON
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 pathology, Alzheimer's disease patient