Investigating how Tau protein affects RNA processing in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Tau-RNA crosstalk: Alternative Poly-Adenylation (APA) Regulation in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-10952630 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Tau, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease, affects the way our brain cells process important messages needed for their health, with the hope of finding new ways to treat or diagnose the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $320,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AG088929-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10952630 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia not related to Alzheimer's may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of Tau protein in Alzheimer's disease, particularly how its misfolding impacts RNA processing and gene expression. By examining the mechanisms of Alternative Poly-Adenylation (APA), the study aims to understand how changes in Tau affect the stability and function of mRNAs in neurons. The researchers will use an inducible Tau cell model to analyze the expression of mRNAs that encode RNA-Binding Proteins (RBPs), which are crucial for neuronal health. The goal is to uncover potential pathways that could lead to new treatments or diagnostic methods for Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting RNA processing mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of examining Tau-RNA interactions in the context of Alzheimer's is relatively novel, related research has shown promise in understanding the role of Tau in neurodegenerative diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Montalbano, Mauro — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Montalbano, Mauro
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.