Investigating how brain cells called astrocytes contribute to a type of brain disease linked to tau protein.
Official title: The role of astrocytes in the pathogenesis of sporadic tauopathy
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10986990 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called astrocytes might contribute to the progression of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), using cells from patients to see how stress affects these cells and leads to brain changes, which could help find new ways to treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | December 5, 2022 |
| Project end | December 4, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $77,908 |
| NIH project number | 5F32AG072837-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986990 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy or other sporadic tauopathies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with tauopathies that are not sporadic or those without tau-related neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in the development of sporadic tauopathies, particularly progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). By using human induced pluripotent stem cells derived from PSP patients, the study aims to explore how stress in these astrocytes may lead to neurodegeneration and tau protein accumulation. The researchers will analyze the cellular mechanisms involved, which could provide insights into the disease's progression and potential therapeutic targets. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of their condition and the development of new treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating sporadic tauopathies like PSP.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding tauopathies through similar cellular models, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whitney, Kristen — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Whitney, Kristen
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.