Investigating how different forms of tau protein contribute to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Cellular-molecular regulation of isoform-dependent tau dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10785251 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different forms of tau protein behave in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease, hoping to find ways to stop tau from causing harm and potentially lead to new treatments that could help patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $94,586 |
| NIH project number | 1K99AG084855-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10785251 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk for developing the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to tau dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of tau protein in Alzheimer's disease, particularly how its different forms (isoforms) behave in the brain. The study aims to identify the mechanisms that lead to the harmful aggregation of tau, which is a key feature of Alzheimer's. By examining how tau interacts with microtubules in neurons, the research seeks to uncover potential strategies to stabilize tau and prevent its toxic effects. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments targeting specific tau isoforms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on tau in Alzheimer's, this approach focusing on isoform-specific interactions is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Naseri, Nima Nick — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Naseri, Nima Nick
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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.