Investigating how RNA modifications affect tau protein in Pick's disease
Official title: Tau regulation by METTL14-mediated RNA m6A modification in Pick's disease
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11116293 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific change in RNA might affect the way tau proteins behave in the brain, which could help us understand Pick's disease better and find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $161,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AG085267-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11116293 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Pick's disease or other tauopathies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not related to tau pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of RNA modifications, specifically N6-methyladenosine (m6A), in the metabolism of tau mRNA and its implications for Pick's disease, a type of neurodegenerative disorder. The researchers will explore how dysregulation of m6A affects tau protein accumulation and aggregation in the brain, which is a hallmark of tauopathies. By studying brain samples from patients, they aim to uncover the mechanisms behind tau-related neurodegeneration and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating or preventing Pick's disease and other tauopathies.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of m6A in neurodegeneration is being explored, this specific investigation into tau mRNA metabolism in Pick's disease is novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Fanpeng — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Fanpeng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding CAG repeat instability in Huntington’s disease
A Huntington’s disease study explores why the CAG repeat in the HTT gene becomes unstable and leads to earlier disease, aiming to uncover factors that influence when and how the disease starts.
-
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.
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.