Investigating how reactive astrocytes affect tau protein in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: The Role of Reactive Astrocytes in the Propagation and Clearance of Tau in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11134812 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called astrocytes might help get rid of harmful tau proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease, which could lead to new treatments to protect brain cells and improve care for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $487,574 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG089349-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11134812 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk of developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to tau pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of reactive astrocytes in the brain and how they interact with tau proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease. By studying a specific mouse model, the researchers aim to understand whether the upregulation of a protein called GFAP in astrocytes helps to clear harmful tau proteins and protect neurons from damage. The approach involves examining the effects of astrocytes on tau propagation and clearance, which could lead to new insights into Alzheimer's disease mechanisms. Patients may benefit from findings that could inform future therapies targeting tau pathology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance the brain's ability to clear toxic tau proteins, potentially slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of astrocytes in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Serrano-Pozo, Alberto — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Serrano-Pozo, Alberto
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.