Identifying specific tau proteins to improve diagnosis of brain disorders
Official title: Staging primary tauopathies with tau proteoforms
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11103211 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at different types of tau proteins in the fluid around the brain and spine of people with certain brain disorders, like progressive supranuclear palsy and frontotemporal lobar degeneration, to help doctors make better diagnoses and create more effective treatments just for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $728,653 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG086501-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11103211 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with primary tauopathies such as progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, or frontotemporal lobar degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of dementia or neurological disorders unrelated to tauopathies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding different forms of tau proteins found in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with primary tauopathies, such as progressive supranuclear palsy and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. By analyzing how these tau proteoforms change during disease progression, the study aims to enhance the accuracy of diagnoses and improve the design of clinical trials for these conditions. Patients will be monitored to identify specific biomarkers that can differentiate between healthy individuals and those with tau-related disorders. Ultimately, this research seeks to pave the way for personalized medicine approaches in treating these complex neurological diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better-targeted treatments for patients with primary tauopathies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using biomarker assays for Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this approach may also be effective for primary tauopathies.
Where this research is happening
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Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sato, Chihiro — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Sato, Chihiro
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.