Investigating how a specific protein contributes to brain damage in Alzheimer's and related conditions
Official title: Cis proline directed proteotoxicity in the early development and therapy of traumatic brain injury and vascular dementia
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11142679 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific form of a protein called cis P-tau might contribute to Alzheimer's disease and other brain issues, especially after injuries or reduced blood flow, to find new ways to protect brain cells and improve treatments for people affected by these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $248,895 |
| NIH project number | 4R00AG076739-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11142679 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, or vascular dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease or those who do not have any neurodegenerative conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a specific protein conformation, known as cis P-tau, in the development of Alzheimer's disease and related conditions like traumatic brain injury and vascular dementia. The study aims to explore how brain injuries and reduced blood flow to the brain can lead to the formation of this harmful protein. By examining the cellular responses and potential protective mechanisms in neurons, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic strategies that could prevent or mitigate neurodegeneration. The approach includes genetic screening and evaluating the effects of inhibiting certain proteins in laboratory models and potentially in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar protein pathways for neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qiu, Chenxi — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Qiu, Chenxi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Cis-proline tau toxicity in brain injury and dementia
Aims to understand how a specific toxic form of tau protein appears after brain injury and contributes to Alzheimer’s-related dementia, and how early intervention might protect neurons.
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Harmful tau protein changes after brain injury and vascular dementia
This project will try blocking a harmful form of tau protein and boosting a protective neuron response to help people with traumatic brain injury or vascular-related dementia.
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Traumatic Brain Injury Across Life: How TBI Relates to Later Dementia Risk
This study looks at how head injuries over a person’s life affect their chances of developing Alzheimer's disease or related dementias later on.
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Investigating how certain enzymes affect recovery from brain injuries and dementia.
This study is looking at how certain enzymes might help the brain heal after a traumatic brain injury and how they could be connected to dementia, with the hope that what we learn could lead to better treatments for both conditions.
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Investigating how traumatic brain injury may lead to dementia.
This study is looking at how a traumatic brain injury (TBI) might increase the chances of developing dementia, and it’s for anyone who has had a TBI and wants to help us understand how it affects brain health over time.
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AI-enhanced virtual reality tool to support remote emergency brain surgery training in Tanzania
A new AI-powered virtual reality tool helps non-experts in low-resource areas get real-time remote guidance for emergency traumatic brain injury surgery.
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.