Investigating how tau protein affects brain cell function in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Local protein synthesis in tau pathology neurodegeneration
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-10990772 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called tau affects brain cells in people with Alzheimer's disease, hoping to find early signs of changes that could help us create better treatments and support for patients before their memory gets worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $385,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG089566-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990772 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or those at risk for developing Alzheimer's-related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia unrelated to tau pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of local protein synthesis in the brain's neurons, particularly how tau protein impacts synaptic function in Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to identify early molecular changes that occur before significant cognitive decline, which could lead to new therapeutic targets. By examining the relationship between tau pathology and synaptic alterations, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to earlier interventions and improved treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that prevent or slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of protein synthesis in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Joongkyu — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Park, Joongkyu
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
New MRI tools to better plan pediatric epilepsy surgery
A new MRI-based approach helps doctors decide the best time to surgically remove brain tissue in children with difficult-to-control seizures.
-
EBV reactivation and how it changes human cells in HIV-related cancers
This NIH grant looks at how Epstein-Barr virus reactivation affects human cells and may contribute to cancers in people with HIV/AIDS.
-
Programmed splicing derangement and EBV host cell shut-off in HIV/ AIDS-related cancers
Researchers are studying how Epstein-Barr virus reprograms human cells in people with HIV/AIDS to promote cancer development and autoimmune diseases.
-
PFAS may speed up artery disease by changing bile acids
Aims to see if PFAS chemicals make cholesterol rise and arteries more likely to harden, using a human-similar mouse model to understand how this could affect people.
-
Synthesis and measurement of cyanotoxins to understand human exposure from water and air
This project will make precise chemical standards and measurement methods for cyanotoxins from harmful algal blooms to better estimate how people might be exposed through drinking water and air.
-
Personalized cancer subtyping and risk prediction with multi-omics data
A cancer research project aims to classify tumors and predict risk by integrating multiple molecular data types to tailor treatments for patients.
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.